Report Dog Theft Gang Nabbed in Vietnam’s Nghe An Province

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Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

In a crackdown effort, police in Vietnam's central Nghe An Province have arrested eight men accused of stealing about 50 dogs over the past three months. Tran Van An, 34, along with his accomplices, all residents of Nghe An, have been charged with “property theft” and “consuming property acquired through the commission of crime.”

 

The group’s nocturnal operations involved riding motorcycles armed with electric prods and knives. According to investigators, they would prowl the streets at night and subdue dogs within a mere 15 to 20 seconds. Their swift actions saw the unfortunate pets whisked away in sacks, destined for sale by one of the group members, Duong.

 

By late July, the criminal investigation department had deployed task forces to bring An, Duong, and the rest to justice. Their operation led to the seizure of electric stun guns, knives, and other incriminating items linked to over 50 thefts. Together, the stolen dogs weighed a staggering two tonnes, a testament to the gang’s prolific activity.

 

All eight men boast previous criminal records, having faced charges related to theft, receiving stolen goods, and gambling. This history underscores the challenges local authorities face in combating crime syndicates in the region.

 

The issue of dog theft in Vietnam remains a contentious one. Legally, the theft of a dog is not typically treated as a criminal offence unless the stolen animal is valued at over VND2 million (approximately 3,170 THB). Consequently, many of these cases are not prosecuted with the severity they perhaps deserve. Stolen dogs often find their way into slaughterhouses, destined for consumption as meat, which raises ethical and animal rights concerns, particularly among foreign observers.

 

Despite these arrests, the prevalence of dog theft for the meat trade remains a significant issue in many parts of Vietnam. The practice not only affects pet owners emotionally but also poses ethical dilemmas that ripple far beyond the local communities involved. With this latest arrest, there is hope that it will act as a deterrent, though many believe more stringent laws and harsher penalties are necessary to effectively tackle the problem.

 

The authorities’ swift action in catching An and his gang sends a clear message that dog theft will not be tolerated. However, whether it will lead to broader legislative changes remains to be seen. In the meantime, pet owners in Nghe An and beyond are urged to keep a closer watch on their furry companions to avoid falling prey to these opportunistic criminals.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-06