Ho Chi Minh City police crack down on pet theft rings, charge 33 suspects

Police announced on Tuesday that they had handled 26 cases involving 54 people suspected of stealing animals, including dogs, cats, ornamental birds, and turtles, since the beginning of 2026.

Of these, 13 cases have resulted in criminal proceedings against 33 suspects on property theft charges.

Pet theft rings uncovered

In one recent investigation, reports of stolen dogs led police to dismantle an interprovincial network involved in stealing, collecting, and selling dogs.

Investigators traced the operation to buyers and collection points in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh.

The ring was allegedly led by Nguyen Ba Long, 29, a resident of Dong Nai City, and Nguyen Long Yen Van, 40, his partner.

So far, 11 suspects have been charged with property theft in connection with the case.

Police said some organized groups used homemade electric stun guns, vehicles with fake license plates, and designated operating territories to steal animals.

Stolen dogs and cats were then transported through networks of collectors, slaughterhouses, and buyers across provincial borders for illegal profits.

Authorities warned that these operations not only deprived residents of their pets but also posed safety risks to the public and police officers, particularly when thieves were confronted or pursued.

In another case earlier this year, police uncovered a group of five suspects allegedly involved in stealing and collecting dogs and cats in Tan Hung Ward.

Officers seized two dogs, 30 cats, and various tools and vehicles used in the suspected offenses.

Police subsequently worked to identify the animals' owners and return the stolen pets while coordinating with relevant agencies to care for the remaining cats.

Pets worth more than their monetary value

Although a stolen dog or cat may have relatively little monetary value, the emotional bond between pets and their owners often goes far beyond money.

The city's police leadership has ordered intensified patrols, investigations, and crackdowns on organized theft networks, including those buying and distributing stolen animals.

Authorities said their efforts would target not only the thieves themselves but also the intermediaries and buyers who sustain the illegal trade.

Police also pledged to investigate reports of stolen property regardless of its value, stressing that seemingly minor offenses should not be allowed to develop into widespread public frustration.