Vietnamese police arrest nine people and rescue more than 400 live cats believed to be stolen and destined for slaughter. Multiple outlets report that the animals are part of an illicit cat-meat supply network. Investigators say the cats were taken from homes, kept in cages, and then sold to people supplying the illegal meat trade. Authorities dismantle the theft ring during the operation, according to reports from Euronews, BBC News, and others. Following the rescue, the police reunite at least dozens of cats with their owners, with several sources specifying that more than 40 are returned. Euronews and other coverage also note that some cats die after being held during the theft process and rescue operation; one report says around 100 later died, while others focus on the number rescued and the number reunited. Animal welfare groups are cited as providing figures and details about the welfare impact, while police are credited with the arrests and rescue. The reports consistently frame the case as a crackdown on a cat theft network linked to the food trade.