Ho Chi Minh City police dismantle interprovincial dog theft ring

Ho Chi Minh City police have dismantled a large-scale, organized interprovincial dog and cat theft ring. Investigators have initiated criminal proceedings and detained 11 suspects for property theft.

The operation began in early October following reports of livestock theft in several communes. Police identified Nguyen Ba Long, a resident of Dong Nai, as a key suspect. A raid on his residence, which was enclosed by metal fencing to hide a slaughtering area, uncovered a significant amount of evidence. Authorities seized 21 dead dogs, 32 butchered dogs, and 57 butchered cats, along with homemade electric-shock guns used to stun the animals.

The group utilized a car to transport stolen animals and equipment. Investigations revealed a sophisticated distribution network with major buyers in Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, and Hanoi. Transaction data showed transfers exceeding 860 million VND, with authorities estimating the total volume of meat consumed by the ring to be over 10 tons. The suspects admitted to knowing the meat originated from theft but continued the trade for profit.