Police in Ha Tinh Province in central Vietnam on Friday rescued two dog thieves under the attack of more than 100 angry locals. Police in Ha Tinh Province in central Vietnam on Friday rescued two dog thieves under the attack of more than 100 angry locals.

The 20-year-old men, Nguyen Dinh Tri and Duong Van Viet, allegedly stole two dogs. When they were about to flee the scene on their motorbike, they hit a women and fell off the vehicle.

As the accident happened near a crowded market, more than 100 people instantly rushed over to beat the men.

But some police officers came and stopped the fight, which has left the duo slightly injured. The woman was rushed to hospital with some bad injuries.

Police also seized the dogs, both alive, and some ropes.

The duo said they would sell the dogs to pay for online games. Their families paid fines and bailed them out the same day.

The 20-year-old men, Nguyen Dinh Tri and Duong Van Viet, allegedly stole two dogs. Dog theft in Vietnam has been fueled by those who view the animal's meat as a delicacy.

Restaurants pay between VND100,000 and VND200,000 (US$4.8-$9.6) per dog. T hieves only face criminal charges if the stolen dogs are valued at VND2 million (around $100) or above.

The fact that almost all dog thieves only have to pay a small fine has prompted communities to take matters into their own hands.

Angry mobs have brutally assaulted dog thieves throughout Vietnam.

But some armed thieves have also fought back. In a case in Ho Chi Minh City last year, the thieves used a stun gun and caused three teen chasers to crash their motorbike and die.