# 400+ Stolen Cats Rescued in Vietnam Police Raid (June 2026)

**Query intent:** 400 cats rescued Vietnam police · stolen cats Vietnam · Vietnam cat meat trade raid 2026  
**Canonical URL:** https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/rescue/vietnam-stolen-cats-rescue-2026  
**Full newsroom briefing:** https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/vietnam-police-rescue-400-stolen-cats

## Direct answer

In June 2026, police in Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City dismantled an alleged cat-theft ring, recovering **more than 400 live cats**, around **80 dead cats preserved on ice**, and **21 additional cats** at a separate facility. **Nine people** were arrested. Humane World for Animals reported **more than 40 cats reunited with owners**.

## Key figures

- 400+ live cats rescued
- ~80 dead cats on ice
- 9 arrests
- 40+ owner reunions
- Alleged operation duration: ~3 years

## What the raids recovered

Reporting from animal welfare groups and police accounts describes coordinated raids after Ho Chi Minh City police investigated a surge in pet cat thefts. Investigators allege the group collected stolen cats across southern Vietnam and sold them to meat traders every two to three days.

## Stolen pets vs strays

Collectors often target owned cats because demand can exceed available strays. Owner reunions after this raid show pet theft feeds the trade, not only street collection.

## Post-rescue needs

Survivors require quarantine, rabies risk assessment, wound treatment, vaccination, parasite control and shelter placement. Post-seizure capacity is often the bottleneck after enforcement succeeds.

## How to help

WARN cat appeal (from £5/month): https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/adopt/cat  
Dog and cat meat trade appeal: https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/dog-cat-meat

## FAQs

**How many cats were rescued?** More than 400 live cats, ~80 dead on ice, plus 21 at another facility (June 2026 raids).

**Were they stolen pets?** More than 40 were reunited with owners per Humane World for Animals.

**Is cat meat legal in Vietnam?** Consumption is legal but vendors need permits showing animal origin; stolen pets enter illegally.

**Can UK donors help?** Yes — fund partner-led quarantine, veterinary care and shelter via WARN.

## Sources

- BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20yzm58vk3o