Chinese activists have rescued hundreds of caged dogs that were due to be slaughtered and served up in restaurants.

The activists intercepted a truck carrying the desperate cargo on a motorway in Yunnan Province. On board were found more than 550 dogs packed into around 150 small cages.

After pictures of the dogs were posted on Chinese social networks, the police intervened.

The dogs were taken to a local police station, where these pictures of the imprisoned canines were taken. Unfortunately, due to their poor condition, many of the animals had to be killed.

It later emerged that transportation of the animals was legal as the driver had the requisite license.

However, an animal rights group came to the dogs' rescue and bought them from their owner for £6,000.