Recently, China's first non-profit ambulance for stray animals has sparked public debate. Hindered by the license plate quota in Beijing, the ambulance applied for special approval from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transportation (BMCT). However, the latter rejected the application, claiming that all vehicles must obtain licenses by drawing lots, a standard procedure for Beijing residents to get new cars licensed.

The ambulance, modified from a van, cost 650,000 yuan ($96,466), which was donated by more than 8,000 warm-hearted netizens. Firm in their belief that there is no difference between stray animals and pets, the Ta Foundation, which runs the ambulance service, is endeavoring to provide high-quality medical services to Beijing's many stray animals.

Regardless of the organization's good intentions, the Ta Foundation faces a likelihood of 1:33 for winning a license. BMCT told Beijing Morning Post that all non-operational vehicles must acquire license plates through the lottery, and that there's no special approval for anyone.

Some people believe the ambulance should go through the standard process; otherwise it could create a precedent for non-profit vehicles to pull strings for special approval. Meanwhile, others believe that since such animal ambulances are already prevalent in other countries, China's first one should be put into service as soon as possible.

An experienced veterinarian named An Mengchen said that the ambulance would not only benefit stray animals, but would also be a beautiful reflection of humanity.

"The ambulance is a good form of publicity that corrects people's misunderstandings about stray animals," he added.