Puppies and kittens being posted in mystery boxes in China
Chinese animal rights activists are demanding action over a new trend of pets being bought and delivered in the mail.
The so-called "blind boxes" contain puppies, kittens and other animals, but are disguised as regular packages and sent via post, CCTV and state media outlets reported.
Animal welfare volunteers in the city of Chengdu uncovered 160 puppies and kittens in a warehouse, ready to be sent.
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Puppies were placed in airtight boxes in anticipation of being sent in the mail. Weibo
Four of the animals were already dead and many are sick.
All of the dogs and cats were under three months old.
The discovery from Chengdu Aizhijia Animal Rescue Centre caused outrage over Chinese social media site Weibo, with horrified users demanding action.
Local news site Xinhua described pet "blind boxes" as a "desecration of life".
Sending any live animal through the mail is against the law in China.
But "pet blind boxes" are gaining in popularity, with tortoises, lizards, rats and spiders increasingly being posted.
"Blind boxes" are a popular trend in China, where customers can purchase novelty gifts for delivery, without actually knowing what they will receive.
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