I think we all wondered about that.
This question is on my list.
See also the thread, "Question for the end? **Spoiler**"

page 706
"It had the form of a small, naked child, curled on the ground, its skin raw and rough, flayed-looking, and it lay shuddering under a seat where it had been left, unwanted, stuffed out of sight, struggling for breath...
...small and fragile and wounded...whimpering..."