"I Didn't Have A Choice" — Restaurateur Claims He Regrets Slaughtering & Serving Cat Meat

According to South China Morning Post, Pham Quoc Doanh admitted to adding thit mèo (cat meat) to the restaurant's menu to boost profits as he was struggling to support his family.

Despite being aware of the issue of cat theft in Vietnam and acknowledging that some of the cats were likely stolen pets, the 37-year-old owner said that he didn't have a choice due to financial constraints.

However, Pham eventually decided to close down the eatery as he regretted drowning and slaughtering over 300 cats each month to serve the cat meat dishes.

According to HSI, Pham expressed a sincere desire to exit the "cruel cat meat business" and switch to a different endeavour as soon as possible.

Reflecting on his past actions, Pham also expressed deep regret, saying, "When I think of all the thousands of cats I've slaughtered and served up here over the years, it's upsetting."

He also voiced his wish to see a ban being imposed on the dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam.

Last year, HSI initiated a programme providing financial incentives to Vietnamese restaurants that ceased selling cat and dog meat.

As part of the agreement, Pham was given the grant, which he has decided to use to set up a grocery store.

Subsequently, the rescued cats were taken to custom-made shelters located at the University of Agriculture and Forestry in Thai Nguyen.

HSI also reported that all 20 cats were vaccinated against rabies and received necessary medical care before they were made available for adoption.

Meanwhile, HSI's Vietnam companion animals and engagement program manager Quang Nguyen expressed excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to be closing down our first cat meat trade business in Vietnam."

"[We also] hope it will be the first of many as more people like [Pham] turn away from this cruel trade," he added.