400 cats rescued in cat meat ring bust

by CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC

HO CHI MINH, Vietnam (CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) - Authorities rescued hundreds of animals in one of the largest cat meat busts in history.

The non-profit rescue organization Humane World for Animals said that Ho Chi Minh City police seized 400 felines fated for the illicit market.

The organization called the bust "a sobering reminder of the enormous scale of the cat meat trade" in the country, while noting it reflects changing attitudes toward the issue, according to a press release.

Local reports say officials found the captured animals while working to break up a network accused of stealing cats and trafficking them across the country.

As a result of the rescue operation, at least 40 pets have been returned to their owners, according to Humane World for Animals.

The other rescued animals remain in police care, with animal welfare advocates delivering food and supplies to assist.

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