Police in Vietnam have seized more than 400 cats in a major bust of an animal theft ring last week. Animal welfare groups and local media say the investigation saved hundreds of animals destined for the dinner plate. Local news reports say an investigation into a spate of pet thefts led Ho Chi Minh City police to the cat meat crime ring. Nine people have been detained. The animal groups say more than 40 cats have been reunited with their owners. They say the operation is sobering reminder of the enormous scale of Vietnam's cat meat trade. Cat lovers hope the operation will bring more attention to campaigns to end dog and cat meat consumption.