Vietnamese authorities have taken into custody 12 individuals suspected of stealing and selling nearly 2700 cats for consumption. According to the police, the suspects targeted residential areas, using homemade traps to catch domestic cats while residents were asleep. The stolen cats were then sold and slaughtered. The police stated that each group of suspects would steal between 4 and 10 cats per night on average.
The suspects operated within a network that supplied a buyer who collected live cats for resale. The investigation revealed that the suspects would ride motorbikes between 11 pm and 4 am, taking advantage of the quiet hours when residents were asleep. They used locally-made traps to catch the cats, which were then transferred and sold as part of an organized sales operation. The police also found that the suspects were divided into small groups.
During the investigation, the police seized 55 cat traps, two scales, 14 bags, 13 mobile phones, seven motorbikes, two fur removal machines, and $257. The seized items reveal the tools used by the suspects to catch and transport the cats as part of their operation. In July, when the police raided the operation, they managed to recover 50 cats and are currently working to return them to their owners.
As of October 4, the authorities have charged 12 suspects with theft of property and are holding them in detention. The case is ongoing, with further procedures to be taken. The police have urged residents to protect their pets and report any suspected thefts to the authorities. They have also requested that companies buying, selling, or slaughtering animals verify their sources.
The police emphasized that anyone found to be knowingly purchasing stolen pets or assisting in organizing further thefts will be subject to investigation. The case highlights the issue of animal theft for food consumption in Vietnam. The suspects' actions have caused concern among animal lovers and the general public.
The Vietnamese police have been working to crack down on the cat theft ring, which is believed to have been operating for some time. The authorities' efforts aim to bring those responsible to justice and prevent similar cases in the future. The case has garnered attention from local and international animal welfare organizations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting domestic animals and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities. The police's successful operation demonstrates their commitment to addressing animal-related crimes and ensuring public safety. The case will continue to be monitored as it progresses through the judicial system.
Key points
- 12 suspects arrested for stealing and selling 2700 cats for food in Vietnam.
