Stray animal rescuer cannot carry on

Ding Shiying, 86, who was dubbed "cat-lover Grandma Ding" in media reports in 2004, can no longer afford the expense of caring for cats and dogs being left at her door, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Ding's house in the Houhai area, Xicheng district, now serves as a shelter for more than 40 cats and four dogs. Another 20 dogs are housed in a rented courtyard in Tongzhou district.

Ding has struggled to care for the animals due to the financial burden and her declining health. The 6,000 yuan ($966) she spends on the animals each month exceeds her retirement pension of 4,000 yuan. She is now trying to give the dogs and cats away for adoption.