Animal rescue group Utopia says it has saved as many as 1,000 animals destined to be shipped across China to people buying pets online. Utopia said it received an anonymous tip of a consignment of animals and instigated a 13-hour rescue mission and was able to save many.
Earlier, authorities stumbled upon thousands of dead animals at a warehouse in Central China and said it was the result of miscommunications in a supply chain in the region's popular pets and breeding market. Officials found at least 5,000 dead pets - including dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.
However, Utopia was able to save hundreds of animals.
The animals had been kept inside metal cages wrapped in boxes with breathing holes. As a result of transport delays some of the animals were stranded at the warehouse for about a week without food or water. Animal experts said most died from starvation and dehydration.
"The station was cluttered with express boxes with thousands of animals that had already died, and the entire place reeks of rotting bodies. It was like a living hell," they said.
It is prohibited to ship live animals by post or courier. The transport company that owns the facility in Henan's Luohe city might be charged with violating transport laws. Utopia said buyers and sellers of the dead animals at the Dongxing Logistics station should be held responsible.
But the shipping company said it wasn't aware of the incident. It said it allowed the transport of live animals using only boxes with breathing holes.
Many of the rescued animals have now been adopted by Utopia members and friends. Sick animals are in veterinarian care. Officials say they will bury the dead and sanitize the warehouse.
