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These poor pussycats had a lucky escape after they were saved from being served up as dinner in China.

A truck overloaded with FIVE HUNDRED cats was intercepted by police in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, yesterday.

It is thought the animals were destined for restaurants in the area.

(Image: Rex)

The cats were crammed into cages and even stuffed into burlap sacks.

Shocking photographs show the neglected animals poking their heads through holes in the bags as rescuers unloaded them from the truck.

(Image: Rex)

Officer Sun Hai said he and a colleague pulled the vehicle over during a routine check-up.

He said: "The driver said it was a full load of rabbit, but after we instructed him to uncover the load we were shocked to find a full load of living cats.”