One million cats are captured or stolen each year and brutally killed for human consumption in Vietnam. Several animal welfare organizations are working to end this cruel trade and push for enforcement of existing laws.

While it is still legal to consume dog and cat meat in Vietnam, it is illegal to steal pets. Law enforcement in some areas is cracking down on people stealing dogs and cats for the inhumane meat trade. In June, police in Ho Chi Minh City seized 400 cats and managed to reunite as least 40 with their worried owners.

Police recently busted another citywide ring that was stealing cats from their homes and off the streets overnight. They would use motorcycles and trap and capture up to 10 cats a night to be sold for meat. According to NPR, the suspects said they stole and sold 2,700 cats. 

The 50 rescued cats are being cared for by a local animal welfare organization and 13 have been reunited with their families. Dozens of traps were also confiscated as the investigation continues. Dogs and cats are considered private property and stealing them can lead to criminal prosecution.

More and more people in Vietnam are against the barbaric meat trade and see dogs and cats as the companions they are. 

"Nationally, 64% of people support a ban on dog meat consumption, and 68% support banning the dog meat trade. 71% of the population favors a ban on both the consumption and trade of cat meat. The primary reasons for this opposition are a strong aversion to the cruelty involved and the belief that dogs and cats are companion animals, not food. This sentiment is likely driven by the increasing number of pet owners in Viet Nam; 87% of poll respondents reported having directly or indirectly experienced the theft of a pet for the trade," shared Humane World for Animals.

Be a voice for the voiceless by signing this petition to ban cat and dog meat trade in Vietnam.