Among them was Pham Dinh Thu, 50, who arrived early at the police facility in Tang Nhon Phu Ward hoping to recover a cat that had disappeared a week earlier.

With assistance from police officers, Thu quickly recognized his pet among hundreds of rescued cats awaiting identification and return to their owners.

The frightened animal, initially wary of people, climbed into its familiar carrier after being identified, ending days of separation from its family.

Thu said his family had nearly given up hope after searching unsuccessfully for several days and only learned about the rescue operation after his daughter read media reports.

“I initially came here just hoping for a stroke of luck, but I was genuinely surprised to find it,” Thu said.

“Many people may see cats as small possessions, but the police have shown them real care and support, and I am deeply grateful for that.”

The scene was repeated throughout the day as large numbers of residents arrived seeking lost cats.

Authorities organized the handover process by guiding small groups into holding areas to identify animals before completing paperwork and returning confirmed pets to their owners.

Police said the rescued cats were discovered after officers broke up a criminal network accused of stealing, collecting, and transporting cats for sale across multiple provinces.

According to major Nguyen The Bao of the Ho Chi Minh City criminal police division, authorities rescued and seized more than 400 live cats during the operation.

After taking custody of the animals, police established clean and ventilated holding areas equipped with cooling fans and worked with veterinary authorities to provide medical care and treatment, Bao said.

Some visitors, including foreigners living in the city, who did not recover their pets donated food and supplies to support the rescued animals while they awaited identification by owners.

“As a cat owner myself, I care deeply about these animals,” said Phung Van Sang, 27, who was not searching for a missing pet and brought food to contribute to the care of the animals.

“That’s why I took advantage of my day off to bring some food here.

“I hope I can do my small part to help the police and veterinary staff care for these cats while they wait to be reunited with their owners.”

Police have urged owners of stolen cats to contact the criminal police division at its headquarters in Tang Nhon Phu Ward to identify pets and assist the investigation.

Authorities said investigators are continuing to gather evidence, determine the roles of individuals involved in the theft and trafficking network, and identify additional suspects for legal action.