article_snippet.sent: Animal welfare groups blasted the illegal trade – and claim the animals are transported in appalling conditions across large distances before being skinned alive, the bones removed and eaten.
article_snippet.sent: Some of the animals perished in searing heat during the journey – and the rest were crushed to death after Some of the animals perished in searing heat during the journey – and the rest were rescued amid fears Some of the animals perished in searing heat during the journey – and the rest might spread disease.
article_snippet.sent: And a MailOnline probe has found pet cats destined for the dinner table are being held in horrific conditions as pet cats destined for the dinner table await slaughter.
article_snippet.sent: The animals are then taken out and slaughtered just feet from The animals cages.
article_snippet.sent: The animals bones are swept up into a pile in the forecourt of the owner's home after the cats are killed and later used to make broth. '
article_snippet.sent: The suffering these intelligent animals go through is the same. '
article_snippet.sent: Cats are being illegally smuggled in terrible conditions across borders and from one country to another to supply this industry.
article_snippet.sent: And because cats are small, many more of cats have to suffer and die to meet demand.'
highlights_snippet.sent: Felines are cooped up in tiny cages then killed, skinned and filleted to eat .