There would be more fuss in the British papers if it was 12000 cats or dogs ‘abused’. The UK media has actively promoted the ‘they are savages so we must convert/kill them to save them’ narrative for so many centuries it is ingrained, certainly on the surface. Fortunately there are millions who are also anti-war, bus since when does the media listen to the views of the public ahead of their paymasters or morals or conscience?