Hanoi – The Vietnam police confirmed in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday that three men were shot dead at the weekend after pursuing a group of suspected dog thieves.

Van Thiet, local police chief said the three men, all neighbors from Cu Chi District on the outskirts of the city, were killed Saturday evening while chasing four men they believed responsible for a spate of dog thefts in their area.

Dog meat is considered a delicacy in Vietnam Restaurants as specialised barbecued dogs are popular at the end of each lunar month when people believe eating the meat would bring them good luck.

The animals could also be sold for as low as 35 dollars depending on the size.

Thiet said dog thieves often used home-made guns to shoot the dogs, and have also used them to shoot at people.

The police officer said villagers were angry because thieves had stolen many dogs in the village recently.

Thiet said six people had been arrested over three separate cases and would be prosecuted. (dpa/NAN)