Yulin, a city in southern China, celebrates the summer solstice by throwing a festival that involves the slaughter and consumption of as many as 10,000 dogs. Not everyone in China supports such practices, however; 65-year-old Yang Xiaoyun, a retired teacher who runs an animal shelter in Tianjin, traveled more than 2,400 km (1,500 miles) and spent more than 7,000 yuan ($1,100 or €990) to save 100 dogs from certain death.

Actress Arta Dobroshi poses at the “Trois Mondes” photocall during the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 25, 2012 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker)

Aerial dancers from Voloa, perform a dress rehearsal ahead of their performance at the opening night of Salisbury International Arts Festival on May 20, 2011 in Salisbury, England. The 39th Salisbury International Arts Festival runs from tonight until Saturday 4 June 2011 and features a programme of theatre, dance, circus, film, music, comedy and spoken word in locations around the historic city, from Salisbury Cathedral to Stonehenge. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

A model poses backstage during the Speedo show as part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney 2011 at Sydney Town Hall on August 24, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

A car enthusiast races at the Goodwood Revival historic motor racing festival in Goodwood, near Chichester in south England, Britain, September 11, 2015. The three-day event held each September at Goodwood Circuit since 1998 attracts thousands dressed in period costume who watch motor racing in vehicles from the mid-twentieth century heyday of the venue. (Photo by Toby Melville/Reuters)

Jury member Nicole Kidman attends the Jury Press Conference. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Participants in costumes attend the first day of the annual Wave-Gotik Treffen, or Wave and Goth Festival, on May 17, 2013 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo bilderkiste)

Actress Angelina Jolie (L) and actor Jack Black attend the “Kung Fu Panda 2” photocall during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival at the Carlton Hotel on May 12, 2011 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)