JM Review | Yu Leiming: Rescuer of Over 2,000 Stray Animals, Remembered

By Jointing.Media, in Shanghai, 2023-10-06

Through social media posts, we learned of the passing of this remarkable man: Yu Leiming, who left us for heaven on August 5, 2023, at the age of 46. It is a regret that JMers, members of our community, failed to share his story and the tales of his ‘fur kids’ during his lifetime. JM now compile accounts from various sources, hoping to piece together fragments of an ordinary yet beautiful soul—because he deserves to be remembered by this world

The story of Yu Lei ming and stray animals reminds me of the classic Japanese film The Story of Hachikō(ハチ公物語 (1987)), adapted in the U.S. and China. Just as “There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand eyes,” perspectives on Yu’s devotion to rescuing stray animals vary drastically. To some, his selflessness seemed ‘unworthy’—sacrificing his own well-being for animals, neglecting his parents, ending a nine-year relationship, or ‘wasting’ resources on animals instead of humans. Reading such comments, JM cannot help but ask:

What truly defines the bond between humans and pets—ownership, kinship, or something else?

How do we morally distinguish abandoning infants, the elderly, and pets?

Why do so many abandon pets? What systemic failures enable this, and how can we address them?

Why do rescuers like Yu, who dedicate their lives and livelihoods to saving animals, struggle to survive with dignity? What barriers prevent ‘Yu Leimings’ from securing sustainable support?

In the face of societal challenges, most observe outcomes, some question causes, fewer seek solutions, and a rare few take action—even in small ways. Undeniably, Yu Leiming belongs to that admirable, vanishingly small group of problem-solvers.

Edited by Wind and DeepSeek

中文原文