German shepherds, Labradors, huskies and golden retrievers are among 126 dogs found alive at a slaughterhouse in China.
Animal activists and local authorities worked together in a remarkable rescue operation to close down an illegal butchers where dogs were being killed for meat.
Inside they found a gruesome scene with dead dogs on the floor, pools of blood, dehairing machines and knives.
The activists also reported that processed dog meat was found at the facility on July 1.
A pile of collars was left in the corner of the room, disturbing proof that pet dogs - likely stolen from homes, streets and farms many miles away - are all too often being butchered.
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Animal advocates from Vshine released video and photos from the scene to Humane Society International, which campaigns across Asia for an end to the dog meat trade.
The shocking visuals show large and small dogs of all breeds huddled together in filthy conditions, many emaciated and panting.
Despite their ordeal, the dogs were eager to receive reassurance and comfort from the activists who believe most of the animals were once pets.
The rescue mission comes as the infamous Yulin dog meat festival ends in south China, some 1,000 miles away from the slaughterhouse in Shanxi's Fufeng County.
Ziyang Huang from Vshine told HSI: "This was an horrendous slaughterhouse and we are so grateful to the tip-off by the Xi'an activists so that we could rally together and get this place shut down before any more dogs suffered and died there.
"The dogs we found alive were whimpering and distressed but very happy to see us.
"They were standing in their own filth with blood and dog fur all around, and slaughter equipment just nearby.
"They will likely have witnessed dogs killed and butchered right in front of them.
"The amount of pet collars we found was really shocking, and the gentle, friendly nature of these dogs tells us probably most of them were once part of a home and somehow ended up at that terrible place.
"That's just one of the reasons why we campaign to end this cruel dog meat trade."
Just days before, animal activists rescued 386 dogs from a truck headed to Yulin that was intercepted by police.
Dr Peter Li, China policy specialist for HSI, said: "This slaughterhouse rescue, and the truck interception before it, show the passion and determination of China's animal advocates to end the brutal dog meat trade, and are great examples of how effective local police and law enforcement authorities can be when they crack down on this illegal activity.
"The agencies in Shanxi are to be applauded for acting so quickly and decisively to close this slaughterhouse and save the lives of the dogs.
"If all police across China followed their example, the dog thieves and traffickers would find it very hard to continue their illegal and dangerous activities.
"China's growing pet loving population is increasingly calling for action, and this proof that once again beloved pet companions have fallen victim to the dog meat trade will surely renew calls for it to end."
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