Dog meat

Dogs that end up being sent to slaughter in China are often animals that breeders couldn't sell, sick dogs or unwanted dogs sold by owners to get easy money.

"Lucy is now a member of my family and pack," said founder of Mission Paws'ible rescue Prue Barber.

A total of 370 animals died while on board the truck after suffering from open wounds, respiratory disease, dehydration and broken bones.

"Aw so beautiful! Thank you for saving that puppy's life," one user said.

"Korea has a unique chance to make a statement to the world," Basinger wrote in an op-ed published by "The Korea Daily."

An investigation launched by Lady Freethinker found dogs being kept in sacks at wet markets, with their mouths tied shut.

China's dog and cat meat trade relies heavily on the illegal activity of animal stealing to sustain itself.

"It was horrifying to see so many dogs in such an appalling state, it was like a truck from hell for these poor animals," said Chinese activist Lin Xiong.

Little Ricky was saved from a "horrible" slaughterhouse in 2015 ahead of the annual festival in China, during which thousands of dogs are killed for their meat.

It is estimated that around 10 million dogs are killed for their meat every year in China, although only a small portion of the population consume this food.

"Cruelty and suffering exist at every part of this trade," Peter Li, the Humane Society International's China policy expert, told Newsweek.

The festival in southern China's Guangxi province was launched more than a decade ago, but local and international activists are calling for it to be blocked.

Conditions were so poor on the truck carrying the dogs that 12 puppies had died by the time it was intercepted by local police and activists.

Jonny Preston, also known as Jonathan Cossu, is a controversial figure in the animal rescue community who says he found the dog at a slaughterhouse in Bolgatanga, Ghana.

"We are giving them all the time and love they need to heal," said Lola Webber from Humane Society International.

Police and animal campaigners intercepted a truck carrying the dogs—mostly stolen pets—as it arrived at an illegal dog meat slaughterhouse.

Animal rescuers saved 65 dogs, including several puppies, from the dog meat farm where canines were brutally slaughtered in front of each other.

China Rescue Dogs will transport 145 dogs to the U.S. next week, with another 60 following later if the charity raises enough money.

"Zhuhai's ban on dog and cat meat eating is thrilling news for all those in China and around the world who have campaigned for so long to end this brutal trade," said Wendy Higgins from HSI.

"This ban also responds to the demand and spirit of human civilization," a spokesperson for the Shenzhen government said.

Founder of CARE organization alleged to have killed healthy dogs to free up space in shelters.

"People believe that heat cures heat, so they eat dog meat and spicy dog soup on the hottest days."

10 million dogs are slaughtered for food in China every year, out of 20-30 million dogs worldwide.

A dozen restaurants in the host county serve dog meat, and only two have take up the government's offer to stop.

The syringes contain enough poison to kill dogs on contact, police said.

Animals Asia reportedly found meat from canines as an ingredient in several items on supermarket shelves.

Taiwan has doubled the maximum prison term for animal cruelty to two years.

"It's healthy, just like raising pigs or chickens, it's fine," said one supporter.