They stole 2,700 cats, 12 people arrested in Vietnam

Twelve men have been arrested in Vietnam, accused of stealing around 2,700 cats for their meat, taking them from residential areas during the night, the police and state media announced.

According to the police, the arrested men have admitted that they had “stolen and trafficked around 2,700 cats of various breeds”.

The group operated between 23:00 and 04:00 in the morning. They travelled by motorcycle in small groups and entered residential areas to steal residents’ cats.

Police seized in Ho Chi Minh City, in southern Vietnam, 50 live cats, 55 traps, two scales and two skinning machines.

The network had been targeted by the police since July.

In Vietnam, the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal, but sellers must have certificates proving the animals’ origin.

According to media reports, the stolen cats can be sold to restaurants for at least €2.4 per kilogram.

Earlier this year, 18 people were arrested in Ho Chi Minh City, suspected of involvement in two different cat-theft networks.