Police in Vietnam have rescued more than 400 cats in a major bust of a cat meat crime ring in Ho Chi Minh City. At least 40 of the cats have been reunited with their owners. The operation, which resulted in the arrest of nine people, was one of Vietnam’s largest cat welfare cases in recent years.

Rescue Efforts

Veterinarians and volunteers are working around the clock to care for the rescued cats at a temporary rescue center. Several of the rescued cats were pregnant, leading to kittens being born in police custody. However, several cats died due to the harsh conditions they were found in.

The suspects admitted to trapping and collecting cats across south Vietnam over the past three years. Consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in Vietnam, but vendors must have permits to validate the animals’ origins.

Animal welfare groups have welcomed the rescue operation, saying it has raised awareness about the cat meat trade in Vietnam. The Vietnamese government has announced plans to rebuild parts of the legal system to better protect pets and the rights of their owners.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.