Police released photos of the cats that were rescued - 13 have been returned to their owners

Twelve men have been arrested in Vietnam after allegedly confessing to stealing and selling around 2,700 cats, Ho Chi Minh City police have said.

Cat traps, fur removal machines and measuring scales were among the items seized during the investigation. The men are suspected of taking the pets to be slaughtered for food.

Police allege the suspects roamed through residential areas in small groups on motorbikes at night to steal the cats.

The men reportedly used pieces of fish as bait, placing traps outside houses where they knew cats were kept, state media reported. Thirteen of the rescued felines have since been returned to their owners.

According to the animal protection organisation Humane World for Animals, an estimated five million dogs and one million cats are captured, stolen, trafficked and slaughtered for meat in Vietnam every year.

The consumption of dog and cat meat is legal in the country, where many restaurants openly advertise it on their menu. But vendors require permits that show the origin of the animals.

Each group allegedly stole an average of four to 10 cats per night, according to a police statement in Ho Chi Minh City police department's official newspaper.

On 8 July, police said they seized 50 cats, two weighing scales, 55 cat traps, 14 bags, 13 mobile phones, seven motorbikes, two fur-removing machines and 6.7 million Vietnamese dong ($257; £195).

The 12 suspects were then brought in for questioning, and police say they confessed to stealing around 2,700 cats.

Of the 50 cats that were seized, 13 have been returned to their owners, while the remaining are being kept at the animal welfare centre HavePaws.

More than 400 cats were seized by police in Ho Chi Minh City in June

While the consumption of dog and cat meat remains more common in Vietnam than other Asian countries, campaigners say attitudes are changing.

A 2023 survey commissioned by Humane World for Animals found growing public opposition, particularly among younger people and pet owners, with 71% backing a ban on the consumption and trade of cat meat.

In June, more than 400 cats destined for slaughter were rescued after authorities dismantled another alleged feline theft ring, the animal welfare group said.

Hundreds of cats stolen for food in Vietnam rescued by police, welfare group says