The Vietnamese police have rescued over 400 cats from being trafficked for the underground cat meat trade in Southeast Asia. This operation is one of the largest in Vietnam's history. In addition to the living cats, authorities discovered 80 cat carcasses frozen in coolers. Nine individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a criminal group that specializes in stealing and collecting cats, according to the official newspaper of Ho Chi Minh City's police department.
The rescued cats were reported to be in poor condition, with some being emaciated and traumatized. An unknown number of the animals died after rescue due to their prior conditions, while a few pregnant cats have since given birth in police custody. Phuong Tham, the country director for Humane World for Animals Viet Nam, stated that thousands of cats are stolen and slaughtered for meat each month in Vietnam, highlighting the need for a crackdown on this trade.
While the cat meat trade is not illegal in Vietnam, sellers are required to obtain permits to prove a cat's origins. Many black market sellers bypass this process by stealing cats and trafficking them across borders to countries like Laos, Cambodia, and China. The price of cat meat is approximately $2.70 per kilogram, making it more expensive than chicken but cheaper than beef, which incentivizes black market activity.
Humane World estimates that over one million cats are stolen and slaughtered for meat annually in Vietnam. There is growing support among younger generations and pet owners to end the cat meat trade, with a reported 71% approval for banning cat meat consumption and trade. The Vietnamese government plans to implement more legal protections for cats and their owners. Cats are commonly consumed during the Lunar Month for good luck, according to the animal rights organization Four Paws USA.