A post offering cat meat for sale has appeared in an online community for Vietnamese residents in South Korea, sparking outrage. The photo shows a skinned cat carcass placed whole on a scale, apparently prepared for consumption. [Facebook capture]
A post offering cat meat for sale has appeared in an online community for Vietnamese residents in South Korea, sparking outrage. The photo shows a skinned cat carcass placed whole on a scale, apparently prepared for consumption. [Facebook capture]

A post offering cat meat for sale has appeared in an online community for Vietnamese residents in South Korea, stirring controversy.

On Monday, photos were posted in Vietnamese-language Facebook groups — including communities for Vietnamese residents in the Changwon-Masan-Gimhae area and for Vietnamese workers in Korean apartment construction — with captions identifying the subject as "cat meat." The author added that interested buyers could contact them by direct message.

The photos showed a skinned cat carcass placed whole on a scale, apparently dressed for consumption. The styrofoam lid beneath the meat was wrapped in packaging tape printed with hangul words including "fresh food" and "Caution," suggesting the product was genuinely intended for sale.

The images showed the carcass with its abdomen cut open and cleaned, and were posted without any blurring or pixelation.

The person who posted the listing describes themselves as a "Korean seafood specialist sales creator."

It has not been confirmed whether any cat meat was actually sold, or how the cats were obtained and prepared for consumption.

However, South Korea's Animal Protection Act prohibits killing animals without justifiable cause or causing their death through cruel methods. Capturing and selling or killing stray or abandoned animals whose owners cannot be identified may also be punishable under the law.

Killing an animal without justifiable cause, or capturing and killing a stray or abandoned animal, can carry a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won ($22,600).

Meanwhile, Vietnam has a long tradition in which some people consume cat meat, believing it to carry spiritual benefits. However, as pet ownership has grown and awareness of animal welfare has spread, criticism — particularly among younger generations and in urban areas — has intensified. Vietnamese authorities have also moved to stamp out the practice, citing concerns over the country's international image and the risk of disease transmission.


betterj@heraldcorp.com