Cat rescued in final moments from Chinese slaughterhouse

It was the photograph that broke the internet’s heart.

Huru, a small white cat, clinging desperately to the sides of his cage at the Yulin Dog and Cat Meat Festival which was held recently.

Sadly, this image is all too common in China, where as many as 10 million cats and dogs are slaughtered every year for food.

Many of them are skinned alive.

Fortunately, Huru was rescued at the last moment and taken to the Washington Animal Rescue League in the United States.

He has since made a remarkable recovery.

“What a difference a few weeks have made for this cat,” the shelter wrote on their Facebook page.

“Huru was destined for a tragic end at the Yulin Dog and Cat Meat Festival in China. [He] was desperate to escape from a cat slaughterhouse, literally climbing the walls.

"Today, Huru has found a new life in the caring arms of the Washington Animal Rescue League."

Huru will now spend time adjusting to his new life before being put up for adoption, with eight lives to spare.

Morning news break – August 22