How are cats sourced for this underground trade?

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Cats are sourced through theft from homes and streets for the underground trade.

Cats are stolen from both domestic settings and public areas to be trafficked and subsequently slaughtered within the Indochina region. This illicit activity is driven by demand rooted in specific cultural beliefs and traditional practices. Animal welfare organisations estimate that approximately one million cats are subjected to this trade annually in Vietnam alone.
Theft from Homes and Streets

The primary method of sourcing cats for this trade involves direct theft from unsuspecting owners and stray populations. These animals are taken from their homes and public streets before being transported for sale and slaughter. This practice highlights a significant welfare concern, as many cats are likely pets or community animals.
Trafficking for Slaughter

Once acquired through theft, the cats are trafficked across provincial or inter-provincial boundaries. This movement is orchestrated by criminal networks involved in the smuggling of felines. For instance, authorities in Ho Chi Minh City exposed a gang involved in such inter-provincial smuggling, leading to the detention of nine individuals who had allegedly been stealing and selling cats for three years.
Demand Driven by Superstition and Beliefs

The demand fuelling this trade is largely attributed to superstitions and traditional beliefs. Some individuals consume cat meat believing it can bring good luck, particularly during specific times of the lunar month, or to counteract periods of misfortune. Additionally, there is a belief among certain consumers that cat meat possesses beneficial health or medicinal properties.
Black Cats Fetch a Premium

Within this underground market, black cats are often sold at a higher price. This premium is due to their alleged special properties related to luck and medicinal benefits, making them more desirable for specific superstitious practices or perceived therapeutic uses.

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How are cats sourced for this underground trade?

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