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SCMP Reporter

When did you found ARB and what is it all about?

ARB is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1988. It aims to stop  wild animals  being killed and sold and  domestic animals  being abandoned and abused.

At that time I was working for the State Planning Commission. My friends and I noticed that quite a number of Beijingers were using nets to catch birds. The beautiful and rare ones were sold and the more common ones like sparrows had their necks broken and were served up on dinner tables. I couldn't  ignore these brutal killings, and began to contact the media and officials about punishing the perpetrators.

Around that time we were also trying to get our own organisation off the ground.

We had to submit a mountain of proposals and documents but we finally got the central government to pass the Law on Wild Animal Conservation. Netting birds was also banned in Beijing.

What is the group's focus now?

We take in injured and stray animals, treat them  and we find new homes for them. Some of the rescued animals stay with us in a small apartment downtown. We also have a base in Changping district where we look after more than 60 dogs.

Lately, we've also been collecting signatures to support animal welfare legislation. I'll hand in reports and our proposal to the government in a few days. Local governments are rounding up dogs and killing them to prevent the spread of rabies. We are doing our best to persuade them to adopt a more reasonable and scientific way of preventing the disease.

We planned an international meeting on rabies for 2004, but it was postponed because of a lack of funds. We are raising money from wherever we can. We have a budget of 150,000 to 170,000 yuan and are determined to hold the meeting this year.

Where did you learn about medicine?

I began to study Chinese medicine in secondary school, by myself. It has been a childhood dream for me.

Although I went on to study management in university, I never stopped learning about medicine.  I applied my knowledge to rescued animals and they, in turn, have helped me continue learning. The medicine I prepare for them is quick and effective. Sometimes other people come to me for prescriptions for their pets.

Does your family support you?

My parents were initially not very supportive but they came around after seeing what we've done for animals, our principles and plans. They now share my conviction and value my career.

I once led a comfortable life at home with my mother taking care of me, but moved out to live by myself  as an animal welfare advocate.

If I didn't live alone, I couldn't take care of so many injured and sick animals at home. Their things are everywhere and you can never clean up the entire room.

When do you think the government will take on your animal welfare proposal?

As long as we combine our efforts, keep talking to officials and use the mass media to make our appeal, the government will finally come to accept the notion of animal welfare and introduce legislation.

As a Christian, I believe human beings are here to guide and take care of other animals, not to mistreat and kill them without reason. They are gifts to us from God. I  will devote myself to ensuring they have a harmonious life with us.

We have to think carefully before having a pet. They have different characters and needs. If you can't deal with   outgoing dogs like beagles and dachshunds, please don't buy them only to abandon them afterwards.



Mild-mannered official turns feisty fighter for animal rights