While, in this case, it was for science, presumably, the inhumane and especially cruel flaying of millions of live dogs, cats and other animals happens every year in parts of China and around the world. Not necessarily for the meat, but for a few bucks to be made off the sale of the skin.
Skinning a carcass seems easier than live flaying.
Probably easier to cook them if they are dead as well, and yet, you can find videos of dogs being boiled alive online.