In a story that has animal lovers everywhere cringing, a man allegedly adopted black cats so he could eat them.

According to the Huffington Post, the man, identified only as Francesco F., who adopted at least 15 cats over two years, has now been accused of eating them.

Reportedly, all the cats he took in had to have a rounder shape. And the repulsive details do not stop there.

The New Daily News has reported that police believe the Italian man has even been cooking the cats up and serving them to his friends for dinner.

The 50-year-old was apparently ready to slaughter another feline for an entrée when he was caught in the act.

He was arrested and charged with animal abuse. If found guilty, he faces up to one year imprisonment and a fine.

Lorenzo Croce, the head of the Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment said that cats are consumed in some parts of northern Italy. He estimates that Italians eat about 500-600 cats a year.