Two puppies were recently saved shortly before they would have ended up on dinner plates. Prior to the timely rescue, the dogs were being transported to the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which takes place every year in China during the summer solstice.

It may be hard to believe but there's a dog meat festival in China.

"A dozen dogs crammed into cages are about to be sold for slaughter." [Via CNN]

Two puppies were recently saved shortly before they would have ended up on dinner plates. Prior to the timely rescue, the dogs were being transported to the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which takes place every year in China during the summer solstice. At the event, local residents eat the meat of stray dogs.

Dr. Peter Li, Humane Society International's China specialist and several other animal rights activists were in the local area to raise awareness about the festival. They spotted many dogs in cages being transported to a trading market.

Most of them appeared to be emaciated, depressed and in poor health. The group was soon ordered to leave the market and right as they were departing, Li and his companions spotted two puppies that were secured to the back of a motorcycle.

Li offered money to a restaurant owner, hoping he would be able to save their lives. Luckily, the cash was accepted.

Li later remarked “They were so cute that they looked like polar bear cubs… How could we slaughter puppies and eat them? Once we held them in our arms, they were so quiet, as if they knew they were in good and loving hands.”

The two saved canines, now named Scout and Colby, have been checked over by a vet and found to be in perfect health. Both pooches are now in loving homes. Colby is living with his life-saver, Dr. Li.