Ho Chi Minh City busts cat-theft ring selling meat, 12 suspects arrested

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested 12 men suspected of running a cat-theft ring across the city and reselling the animals for meat, according to Vietnamese state media.

The group is accused of stealing and selling about 2,700 cats.

The case, reported by state media, highlights how illegal cat poaching for meat persists in some localities despite public outrage and pressure from animal welfare advocates.

There was no immediate detailed information on when the thefts took place or what further legal action the suspects may face.