WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS VERY GRAPHIC IMAGES WHICH SOME MAY FIND DISTURBING
Ricky Gervais is just as famous for being an animal lover as he is for being a comedian - and, on Twitter this week, he has been rallying his followers to help him put an end to the Yulin Dog Meat Festival.
Up to 10 million dogs are believed to be killed for their meat in China every year - and some reports claim that 500,000 lbs of dog meat is consumed annually.
Ricky, who is desperate to help put an end to the sick tradition, tweeted: “Please help stop the #YulinDogMeatFestival.
“They believe torturing the dog makes the meat tastier. They beat them, burn them, skin & boil them alive!
“Disgusting sub-human c***s.”
He continued: “They steal people's pets to torture and eat. What would you do to someone who you caught torturing your dog?
“I hope you'd stop them somehow.”
He went on to share two very graphic images of dogs being tortured by those involved with the festival.
Ricky wrote emotionally: “Sincere apologies. I didn't want to have to tweet these photos.
“Burnt & boiled alive for flavour.
“#StopYuLin2015”
He later added: “I was really worried about tweeting those horrific pics from #YulinDogMeatFestival, but your compassion and support is heartwarming.”
Humane Society International have launched a petition to put international pressure on the Dog Meat Festival, which is due to take place on 22nd June.
A statement released by Ricky said: "My friends at Humane Society International are working tirelessly to end this cruel trade all over Asia, and they desperately need your help.
"I’ve seen the footage that HSI has captured on video, and it breaks my heart. I will never forget the look of bewilderment and fear on the faces of these poor animals — the dogs and cats await a horrible fate.
“No animal deserves to be treated like this."
Take action: Sign the petition against the Yulin Dog Meat Festival.
You can also donate money to Humane Society International, who are fighting to stop the cruel trade of dog meat, here.