[Explanation] On a small hillside on the outskirts of Yichang City, Hubei Province, there is a row of simple bungalows. This is the Huiai Small Animal Protection Center of Yichang City and the home of more than 400 stray cats and dogs.
On August 17, the reporter visited the protection center.
[Explanation] As soon as I entered the kennel, one after another dog barks sounded. A dozen dogs who had been raised outside because of their gentle temperament surrounded the crowds with enthusiasm.
The kennel is relatively tidy. There are 14 compartments and more than 20 dogs live in each compartment. Seeing the breeder and strangers, the dogs are excited and nervous, jumping up and down.
[Concurrent] Yang Xinxin, keeper of Huiai Small Animal Protection Center, Yichang City, Hubei Province
After we feed them, we have to take care of all aspects of their lives during the rest time. Those (dogs) who have not eaten (food) must re-feed them and bring them to feed. We are also very good to these cats and dogs. Feelings, I also quite like it, and it definitely likes me.
[Commentary] Zhou Xiaoni is 35 years old this year and used to be a kindergarten teacher.
In 2015, she and some friends who love dogs discovered that there are more and more stray dogs in the city, which not only affects the image of the city, but also often leads to dog injuries.
In order to rescue and shelter stray dogs, she rented a venue in Yichang Dian Military Region and established Yichang Huiai Small Animal Protection Center.
[Concurrent period] Zhou Xiaoni, head of Huiai Small Animal Protection Center, Yichang City, Hubei Province
We (will) help it (stray animals) as much as possible, and go to the hospital for treatment if it is ill. If there is no disease, we will take care (first) and vaccinate it. After sterilization, we will put it in the small animal base, waiting for our loving friends. We go to adopt it, we want to maintain an environment in the city.
[Explanation] In 2020, the number of cats and dogs in the Conservation Center will reach nearly 400, making the venue difficult to accommodate.
As a result, Zhou Xiaoni pieced together, plus the borrowed 200,000 yuan, and spent 300,000 yuan to build a new center of more than 1,000 square meters in Yiling.
The environment for cats and dogs is better, and management is more standardized.
[Explanation] Zhou Xiaoni said frankly that she quit her job as a relatively stable kindergarten teacher in order to take care of the dogs. Over the years, she has run a protection center and cannot make ends meet. She is too busy to go home and have no time to fall in love. Family and friends do not understand this. , Some relatives and friends felt that she was plaything, wasting money and damaging her life, which put her under a lot of pressure.
[Concurrent period] Zhou Xiaoni, head of Huiai Small Animal Protection Center, Yichang City, Hubei Province
I am still unmarried so far, and my family must be opposed to it. I have quarreled countless times with (with my family) over the years, (but) how you quarrel with him(s), they still helplessly forgive you.
(Yes) These animals are behind, this time can not be said to be hobbies, but a responsibility of life.
[Explanation] In the protection center, there are some small animals with disabilities, many of which are caused by malicious abuse.
An orange cat who lost his eyesight due to torture found that someone was approaching and hid it, daring not to come out again.
[Concurrent period] Zhou Xiaoni, head of Huiai Small Animal Protection Center, Yichang City, Hubei Province
If you don’t like it, don’t hurt it. Try to deal with it properly. If you encounter a problematic animal, I hope you don’t abuse it.
I think they should also have the dignity of life.
[Explanation] Today, in order to cope with the protection center's monthly expenditure of nearly 30,000 yuan, Zhou Xiaoni opened a pet supplies store, usually selling cat food, dog food and pet supplies, etc., "to raise the good with business."
When she meets someone who is willing to adopt a cat or dog, she will first conduct a survey. Only when the other person really loves cats and dogs will she agree to adopt it. After adoption, she will also return visits from time to time.
[Concurrent period] Zhou Xiaoni, head of Huiai Small Animal Protection Center, Yichang City, Hubei Province
The most important purpose of my shop is to help the small animal base. When opening a shop, I will have free time, so I can better take care of them. Secondly, I hope my shop will have extra profit, so I can help them, even if it is too much. With a little money, I will support and supplement the salary of a breeder. I think it will be helpful to the base.
[Explanation] Zhou Xiaoni said that there are many caring people in every city, and there are more and more stray animals that need to be taken in urgently.
She hopes that more caring people will participate in the work of protecting small animals, provide shelter for these cats and dogs, and work together to save the animals and let them live healthily.
Dong Xiaobin, Zhou Xingliang reports from Yichang, Hubei
Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】