Hundreds of cats destined for slaughter rescued in Vietnam

International

VIETNAM has intensified efforts against animal theft, rescuing more than 400 stolen cats destined for slaughter.

An animal welfare group also disclosed that nine persons were arrested for their involvement in stealing and collecting cats.

In a BBC report, the arrest came following raids in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City on 11 June.

Authorities recovered over 400 live cats, approximately 80 dead cats stored on ice, and an additional 21 cats at a separate facility.

Police described the suspects as part of a criminal group specializing in stealing and collecting cats. Investigators said the group had been trapping and gathering cats across southern Vietnam for the past three years before selling them to meat traders every two to three days.

The operation followed an investigation into a series of pet thefts reported in Ho Chi Minh City. Under Vietnamese law, the consumption of dog and cat meat is legal, but traders must have permits proving the animals' origin.

Animal welfare organization Humane World for Animals reported that more than 40 rescued cats have already been reunited with their owners. However, the group said some animals later died due to the conditions they endured.

The organization is currently providing food and supplies for cats being held as evidence while the investigation continues.

Police have urged residents whose pets may have been stolen to come forward and help identify recovered animals.

According to Humane World for Animals, an estimated five million dogs and one million cats are stolen, trafficked, or captured for the meat trade in Vietnam each year. The group says pets are often taken from homes using traps, poisoned bait, and other capture methods.

Despite the continued presence of the dog and cat meat trade, public attitudes in Vietnam appear to be shifting. A 2023 survey commissioned by Humane World for Animals found growing opposition to both trades, particularly among younger people and pet owners, with majorities supporting bans on the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat.

This version is about half the length of the original while preserving the major facts, context, and developments.(Rose Ann Caintoy, HNU Comm Intern)ebu province," she said.

A major part of the program is the Cebu Provincial Liquid Nitrogen Plant in Cebu City, which preserves semen used in artificial insemination. The facility supports the nationwide breeding improvement initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA), allowing farmers access to better cattle genetics.

According to Vincoy, the government provides semen from various breeds to help improve the quality and market value of livestock owned by local raisers.

"Og naa tay Bisaya nga baka o kabaw, para modako, inahay modako sab ang kita sa farmers og iya na ibaligya. Its helping livestock raisers, farmers panahon nga gamiton na niya pang tuition, expenses, makatabang to siya sa pagbaligya sa iyang hayop," she said.

The semen is stored in coded straws inside tanks filled with liquid nitrogen to maintain viability until used by trained AI technicians.

Vincoy said the province has also been working closely with local government units to promote awareness of the technology and encourage livestock owners to participate.

"I’m happy to say nga ang mga Cebuano gi adopt gyud ang AI program," she said.

She noted that Cebu remains a major contributor to the region's cattle industry.

"Cebu is no. 1 sa cattle head inventory sa CV. ang CV nag una sab. 60% gikan sa probinsiya sa Sugbo," Vincoy added.

The province has also started receiving limited Wagyu semen through the national AI program, which began distributing the genetics to selected provinces in 2024.

While requests from farmers continue to be dominated by Brahman cattle, officials see opportunities for Wagyu-cross breeding in the future.

Wagyu cattle, originally from Japan, are prized for their heavily marbled beef. By introducing Wagyu genetics into existing local herds through artificial insemination, farmers may eventually produce higher-value cattle while retaining traits suited to local conditions.

Vincoy believes the program can further boost farm incomes, strengthen the livestock sector, and support Cebu's food security goals.(MyTVCebu)