Former teacher Yang Xiaoyun, 65, who now works at an animal shelter in Tianjin, traveled more than 2,400 km and spent more than 7,000 yuan ($1,100 or 990 euros) to save 100 dogs from certain death.
The long tradition of eating dog meat has been preserved in several areas of China, but it is most common in the south of the country. This year's Yulin Dog Meat Festival, held on June 20, drew unprecedented ire from the international community, who used the #stopYulin2015 hashtag to denounce the event. Chinese activists, including Xiaoyun, also reacted to the event, accusing the organizers of the event of unnecessary brutality and torture.
While public discussion of this controversial Chinese tradition is still ongoing, it's great to see that there are people like Xiaoyun taking real action!
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival Source: avaxnews.netChinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
1. This is Yang Xiaoyun, a 65-year-old retired teacher who wants to stop the dog massacre in China.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
2. Every year, 10,000 dogs are eaten at the traditional Yulin Dog Meat Festival.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
3. Many accuse the organizers of the unnecessary cruelty with which dogs are killed to prepare traditional dog meat dishes.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
4. Yang traveled 2,400 km towards Yulin and spent about 7,000 yuan ($1,100) to save 100 dogs from being killed.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
5. The savior next to the cage with the unfortunate dogs that she had just bought from the dog dealers.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
6. She works at a shelter called "Common House", which is a haven for more than 1000 dogs.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
7. Many dogs require medical attention, which a woman tries to provide them.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
8. The work of her shelter is largely dependent on the help of volunteers and donations.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
10. To feed the dogs, Jan bakes steamed cornbread twice a day - that's all she can afford.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
15. All animals are very happy when volunteers come to visit them.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
16. Every weekend Jan tries to treat his pets with special treats.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
21. The attitude towards eating dogs and cats in China is changing, but, unfortunately, some traditions have very deep roots, and therefore exist even today.
Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival
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Chinese teacher saves 100 dogs from certain death at dog meat festival