A volunteer with the rescued dogs in April 15. Photo: IC

This year, animal rights activism achieved great triumphs but also faced more challenges than ever before, following the impromptu dog rescue mission in April.

More than 200 animal welfare activists saved 500 dogs from a truck on its way to a slaughterhouse in Jilin Province on April 15, and brought them to the China Small Animal Protection Association (CSAPA).

The activists were criticized for technically breaking the law, forcing a truck to stop on a busy expressway and holding up traffic for hours.

Despite all of this, the dogs did not manage to find a happy ending. Wang Qi, an employee with CSAPA told the Global Times that, of the dogs rescued, 90 of them died of disease even after efforts from the vets and volunteers.

Currently they cannot provide an indoor shelter for the dogs, Wang added, but said that around 200 dogs have recovered and live in the center, while another 80 are at several animal hospitals receiving treatment.

Financial difficulties mean the center is concerned about finding enough food. "We are appealing for volunteers," Wang said.

"However, we do not regret what we have done, and would do it without hesitation again," he added.

Tian Ming, 38, adopted two of the rescued dogs. One with severe lung disease, may not recover, while the other was a male dog that has recovered from canine distemper, said Tian.

"I knew they were sick, but I just wanted to protect them," Tian told the Global Times yesterday.

No one can deny that Chinese activism has made great progress this year. The dog mission in Beijing instigated dog rescues nationwide, as animal activists in Sichuan province staged two rescues at the end of the year, saving more than 1,000 dogs from the chopping block.