I suspect think this is a scam or creation of another urban myth. Its is easier to acquire and use lifebait that sharks and pelagic fishes have as part of their normal diet. Its shows the same kitten and I doubt it was pierced.
Why bother to go to all that trouble to use kittens. The way it was filmed it was not done clandestinely. Its looks staged.
I don't think clients will accept this behavior. Use of bloodied chicken carcase is better known for baiting shark.