Its not because of the fear, its the live bruising of the meat. South Korea prepared dog in that manner back when I was there.
Cambodia. Thailand. China. South Korea. Some of Vietnam. All cruel to dogs. I never feel badly when human tragedies occur in those countries. Oh well.
I guess its the same principle as when you prepare abalone for cooking. You have to beat the meat to break down the muscle. Young dog, old cat.