Expat rescues stray animals in Beijing

Christopher Francis Barden and some volunteers prepare to move stray dogs to a new shelter in Shunyi district, Beijing, Nov 19, 2013. Barden, 46, an American living in Beijing, has been rescuing stray animals for more than 10 years with a group of friends. In November 2011, he opened a stray animal center in Shunyi district called "Little adoption shop" after quitting his job. His new work was looking after homeless animals. He calls on animal lovers to adopt stray dogs instead of buying pets. At present, he has 135 dogs that need homes. He has a few volunteers and has hired some animal lovers to help him take care of the dogs. However, they now have to move the animals to another shelter they just set up, also in Shunyi. Barden said all the expenses of the shelter are paid with donations from caring people and he believes it is meaningful work. [Photo/icpress.cn]