What Happens to Stolen Cats and Dogs in Vietnam?
About the Cat and Dog Meat Trade
Across parts of Vietnam, thousands of cats and dogs are still caught, transported, and slaughtered for human consumption each year. Many of them are beloved pets, stolen from families. Others are strays, caught with traps, poison, or snares. Once taken, they face long, cruel journeys-crammed into cages, often without food or water-before being killed in brutal and inhumane ways.
This is really a thing?
Yes! Even though cat meat isn't spoken about as much as the dog meat trade, the cat meat trade is very, very real. Cat meat is served in specialised "small animal" restaurants. There are many cat meat restaurants up North towards Hanoi.
Where do they get the cats?
Two places. Firstly people will sell "their" cat (or any cat that hangs around their home) for an income to local sellers who drive around. Secondly and most prominently cats are taken from the streets at night. Any cat that is hanging around at night time has a high risk of being caught by "cat catchers" that roam the streets at night. There is no distinction if this is a feral street cat, or a pet cat.
Are they caught alive in traps or killed immediately?
They use traps and nets which keep the cat alive, rather than posion or killing like they do quite commonly for dogs. This is because there is a bigger demand for cats to be taken up North. Alive means they don't have to worry about storage or freezing the meat and can get a better price. Cat meat is actually more expensive per KG than dog meat. This is why it is popular for thieves to target cats.
What happens when they are caught alive?
The cats are shoved into sacks and taken to a holding area. They cram over 60 cats into one cage. Some are blow torched alive and kept on ice. When they have enough cats, usually every three days 3 to 4 cages like this are then shipped up to Hanoi. 60 cats per cage, with no water, space or comfort. The journey takes over 20 hours. When they arrive to Hanoi they are brought by slaughter houses and restaurants. They are then killed when needed.
How are they slaughtered for meat?
It's actually seen as better the more inhumane the cat is killed. The meat will taste better and the adrenaline from the cat will go into the meat, which will go in to the consumer. Sick right? So the cats are boiled alive, drowned, blow torched or hit over the head. Yes this is real.
Do they care if it's someone's pet and have a collar on?
Not at all. Collar or no collar, friendly or feral. It doesn't matter.
Does everyone eat cat meat?
No, many, many locals are against eating companion animals and love their pets very much and are against the meat trade.
What can you do to help put a stop to the cat and dog meat trade?
Speak up, spread the word, educate and share stories. There are many petitions online that are petitioning against the meat trade, they only take a couple of minutes, sign all that you can! Education; educate any one you meet along your way, whether in Vietnam or back home. Speaking about the cat meat trade will bring about an understanding and awareness that this horrific trade exists and needs to stop. Support charities who are trying to end the cat and dog meat trade, share their posts online!
