Activist purchases dogs before dog eating festival in South China

Yang Xiaoyun, a volunteer from a Tianjin animal shelter, takes care of a dog she rescued in Yulin, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on June 19, 2014. She purchased around 20 dogs from dog dealers at Yulin's annual festival, scheduled for June 21. The event features dog meat hotpot, lychees and strong liquor. It is a cherished tradition among local residents but the nature of the festival has sparked controversy over alleged animal abuse. [Photo/IC]