China:~Billionare Dedicates Her Life To Animals And The Animal Protection Law

[Hand In Hand With Asia]

Zhang Luping, is the founder of Beijing Human and Animal Environmental Education Center (BHAEEC) and is a billionaire.
BHAEEC is located in a special compound in Changping district, where Zhang lives with more than 700 homeless dogs and cats, all of which receive her care and attention. Farmers and volunteers pluck weeds, so there will be fewer mosquitoes to bite the animals.
"I am a woman who will always stand my ground and make no concessions," says Zhang. 
She used to be a soldier, before making her money in real estate.
She was very successful and could have emigrated to another country with her fortune 20 years ago, but she discovered how miserable life is for homeless pets in China and decided to stay.

"I have seen dogs being abandoned, abused and beaten to death. I knew I could not leave, otherwise I would never find peace in my heart wherever I went," Zhang said. She understands that many people question her choice, but attributes her decision to an "inbred nature to be fond of small animals".
"Sometimes, I think maybe I was born to save these poor animals, and I am willing to do so even at the expense of having no personal life at all."
She doesn't agree with those who say she should put the welfare of people before that of animals.
"People's livelihood is the government's responsibility," she said. "I have no ambition other than saving small animals."
When she finally established the shelter at the current compound,
more and more people started sending her cats and dogs, raising the number of animals in BHAEEC from 200 to 700, making the shelter full.
She says that no one has forced her to work like this and despite all the difficulties, she has never thought of giving up.
"If I don't hold on, what would happen to my 700 'kids'?"
Zhang's family don't understand her way of life but she says nothing can stop her from pursuing her goal. Her first concern is to find someone who can take over the center and run it for her, so that she can pick up her business to solve the financial problems of the center.
After that, she would like to establish relationships with schools in China to teach children about animal care. Currently, BHAEEC has only built long-term relationships with some international schools.
But the most important thing, Zhang said, is to push for legislation for animal protection.
Zhang also believes in the importance of having small animals
sterilized, not only for the sake of their health, but also to reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats on the streets.
Above all, Zhang feels that the requirements of becoming a pet owner should be made law.
"The road leading to a real animal protection law is still long," she says, "But I will never stop trying as long as I am still alive."