400 Cats Saved From Becoming A Meal
HO CHI MINH CITY: More than 400 cats believed to have been destined for slaughter have been successfully rescued in Vietnam after authorities dismantled a syndicate involved in the activity of stealing the animals, according to an animal welfare organisation.
Nine individuals have been detained to assist in investigations into the activities of a criminal group believed to be actively stealing and collecting cats, reported the official police newspaper of Ho Chi Minh City, as cited by AFP.
In raids at several locations in Tay Ninh province and Ho Chi Minh City last week, police found more than 400 live cats as well as approximately 80 cat carcasses preserved in ice.
In addition, another 21 cats were seized at a separate premises.
The practice of eating dog and cat meat is legal under Vietnamese law, but traders are required to possess special permits to prove the origin of the animals.
According to local media, police managed to track down the group on June 11 after conducting investigations into a series of frequent pet theft cases in Ho Chi Minh City.
All suspects confessed to trapping and collecting cats throughout southern Vietnam over a period of three years.
Based on police investigations, the suspects are believed to have transported the stolen cats to several collection premises before selling them to traders, with transactions conducted every two to three days.
Humane World for Animals, in a statement on Tuesday, informed that approximately 40 of the stolen cats have already been reunited with their respective owners.
The organisation commended the swift and firm action of local authorities who managed to save hundreds of animals. However, it informed that several cats were reported to have died due to the suffering they endured before being rescued.
According to the group, they are now providing food and other necessary supplies for the animals still in police custody as evidence while investigations continue.
Police said further investigations are still ongoing and have urged residents who believe their pets were stolen to come forward to assist in the identification process of the cats found.
Harian Metro