Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats from residential areas in Ho Chi Minh City, with the animals allegedly destined for restaurants as food.
Police and state media reported that the group was suspected of carrying out the thefts at night, targeting cats in residential neighbourhoods before selling them to restaurants.
Among the items seized during the investigation were cat traps, weighing scales and machines used to remove fur from animals.
Police said the suspects admitted to stealing and selling around 2,700 cats of various breeds. Criminal proceedings against the 12 men began on Sunday, although it was unclear when the suspects were initially arrested.
According to state media, the group operated between 11pm and 4am, travelling in small groups on motorcycles through residential areas to catch local cats.
Each group was believed to steal between four and 10 cats a night, with the operation first detected in July.
During the investigation, police seized 50 live cats, 55 cat traps, two weighing scales and two fur-removal machines.
The cats were allegedly sold to restaurants for at least 70,000 Vietnamese dong (about RM10.80) per kilogramme.
The sale and consumption of dog and cat meat remain legal in Vietnam, although businesses are required to obtain certificates showing the animals’ origin.
Earlier this year, Ho Chi Minh City police also arrested 18 people suspected of being involved in two separate groups allegedly stealing cats.
The latest arrests highlight an ongoing issue involving the theft and illegal supply of cats for the meat trade in the city.
