The Vietnamese police have charged and detained 12 suspects for stealing and selling almost 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 cats were then sold and slaughtered as part of an organized operation.
The suspects, who were operating in groups, stole between 4 and 10 cats on average every night. They would ride motorcycles between 11 pm and 4 am, taking advantage of the quiet hours when residents were asleep. The police seized 55 cat traps, two scales, 14 bags, 13 mobile phones, seven motorcycles, and two fur removal machines during the investigation.
The police also found $257 in cash during the raid. The suspects were part of a network that supplied a buyer who collected live cats for resale. The police have restored 50 cats to their owners and are working to reunite the rest with their rightful owners. The suspects have been charged with theft of property and are being held in detention.
The police operation, which took place in July, resulted in the arrest of the 12 suspects. The authorities have urged residents to protect their pets and report any suspected cases of theft. They have also asked companies that buy, sell, or slaughter animals to verify their sources. Anyone found to be purchasing stolen pets or organizing theft operations will be investigated.
The cat trafficking ring is believed to have been operating for some time, with the suspects selling nearly 2700 cats in total. The police have not disclosed the exact destinations of the stolen cats, but it is believed that they were sold for food. The case has raised concerns about animal welfare and the need for stricter regulations on the trade of live animals.
The Vietnamese police have been working to crack down on animal trafficking and protect domestic animals. In recent years, the country has seen a rise in cases of animal theft and trafficking, prompting authorities to take action. The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity and to work with them to prevent animal trafficking.
The case is ongoing, with further investigations and proceedings expected. The 12 suspects are currently being held in detention, and the police are working to bring them to justice. The case has sparked widespread interest and concern, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action to prevent animal trafficking.
Key points
- 12 suspects arrested for stealing and selling nearly 2700 cats for food
- The suspects used homemade traps to catch domestic cats while residents were asleep
- The police have restored 50 cats to their owners and are working to reunite the rest with their rightful owners
