Overview
- Ho Chi Minh City police arrested nine suspects and recovered about 400 live cats plus roughly 80 carcasses kept on ice after multi‑day raids, officials reported on Thursday.
- Suspects told investigators the group stole pets from homes and towns including Tay Ninh and An Giang and operated the illegal trade for about three years.
- Veterinarians and volunteers set up a temporary care center inside the criminal police division where roughly 260 cats remain under treatment and about 40 animals have been reclaimed by owners.
- Rescuers reported severe overcrowding, malnutrition and some deaths among the animals, and authorities say the meat was sold to specific markets and restaurants at about 70,000 VND per kilo.
- Animal‑welfare groups warn the case reflects a wider illicit market that may move thousands of cats monthly and say the police action could prompt broader supply‑chain probes and stronger local enforcement.