Police in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, have arrested 12 men suspected of operating a ring that stole and resold about 2,700 cats for meat. 

Authorities said the alleged leader, 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh, purchased stolen cats and kept them at a facility before selling them for meat.

Investigators said members of the group rode motorcycles through residential neighborhoods at night, trapping as many as 10 cats per night.

A police raid recovered about 50 cats and dozens of traps, with 13 of the animals later returned to their owners, AL.com has reported.

The arrests come amid growing concern in Vietnam over the theft and slaughter of pets, as cat ownership increases and consumption of cat meat declines among younger generations.