Gang that stole 2,700 cats in Vietnam was busted

According to CBS News, Vietnamese police detained 12 people for allegedly stealing approximately 2,700 cats during night raids and taking these pets to slaughter for food.

Fur strippers, cat traps and scales were among the items seized during the investigation into a gang that allegedly stole cats in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the news, in Vietnam, where the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal, many restaurants openly advertise this meat, but sellers are required to obtain certificates showing the origin of the animals.

According to media reports, stolen cats can be sold in restaurants for at least 70,000 dong ($2.7) per kilogram.

In a statement, the police stated that 12 people were detained on charges of property theft and that they confessed to "stealing and smuggling approximately 2,700 cats of various species."

The state-published Tuoi Tre newspaper reported that the suspects broke up into small groups and went to residential areas on motorcycles to search for cats, and that the suspects were mostly active between 23:00 at night and 04:00 in the morning. It is estimated that each team steals 4 to 10 cats every night.

This network first emerged in July; The police seized 55 cat traps, two scales and two fur stripping machines, as well as 50 live cats.

Earlier this year, 18 people accused of being members of two separate cat theft gangs were detained in the city. In June, police rescued more than 400 cats and at least 40 were reunited with their owners during a major operation against a cat meat crime ring in Ho Chi Minh City. However, animal rights groups stated that many of the cats died due to the harsh conditions they were in.