THE first charity pet rescue center in the city opened in Baiyun District on Saturday morning.

Sixteen dogs and cats were moved into the new home in Qingfeng Village, Taihe Township after a simple opening ceremony. The center aims to help maltreated, deserted and stray pets, and in time get them adopted.

All the pets taken into the center had a sad past, said Ms. Du, founder of the center, and the center would do its best to give them a better future.

A papillon named Bobby lost its owner of 20 years, and refused to eat when first taken in. Another Peking puppy was paralyzed after being thrown off a third-floor balcony.

While most pets should recover after treatment at the center, Du said she hoped pet lovers could take some healthy animals into their homes so that the center would have place for more stray pets.

Editor: Wing