By Carly Ikuma
As droves of refugees made their way back to the damaged areas of Lebanon and Israel after the ceasefire Aug. 14, many hoped to be reunited with pets they had left behind.
Concern for Helping Animals in Israel (CHAI/Hakol Chai) and other animal rescue groups had relocated hundreds of animals to foster homes and shelters during the fighting, anticipating that many families would contact them to recover their pets.
The case of Jessie, a Weimnaraner, was particularly heartbreaking, but it ended happily, according to Nina Natelson, director of Concern for Helping Animals in Israel. Jessie was left with relatives when her family fled south in the midst of the fighting. When the relatives fled, the dog was left with a neighbor, and when the neighbors fled, Jessie was put on the street.
"When she tried to follow people in to a bomb shelter, she was badly beaten and left for dead," Natelson said. "Several people called CHAI/Hakol Chai and Jessie was rescued by us and taken to a vet. She was just recently reunited with her family, who is grateful and vows never to leave her again."
Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is rescuing abandoned animals and has begun to move into southern Lebanon, the hardest hit in this conflict, according to Joelle Kanaan, co-founder of BETA.
"The BETA team has entered the southern suburbs of Beirut to feed all the strays or those left behind. And, as some people have abandoned their pets in the streets, BETA has also been placing food accessible to these animals right inside Beirut," Kanaan said. According to BETA's s website, the organization is now searching for foreign homes for abandoned animals, with cooperation from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah.
Animal protection groups in both countries are taking advantage of the ceasefire to continue rescuing injured animals, feeding strays and taking in abandoned pets in the hopes that their owners have not forgotten them.
Animals in Conflict Zones
The Haifa Zoo in northern Israel has begun letting its animals out of their bomb-proof enclosures this week, and the caretakers have noticed the impact this war has had on their animals' personalities. According to Associated Press reports, the animals have suffered enormously during the month-long conflict.
Humane Society International hears about animals affected by clashes all over the world and has provided support in the wake of many worldwide disasters. With rapid progress toward passage of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Evacuation Standards (PETS) Act, the United States is setting a great example of why governments should consider the needs of citizens with pets during a catastrophe.
Though many of our supporters were heartbroken to see pets left behind as their families evacuated Lebanon and Israel, we remind everyone that the animal rescue groups who stayed behind have diligently saved as many animals as possible, even under constant danger from aerial attacks. These groups prove that even though governments may not have provisions for pet owning evacuees, animal lovers all over the world are ready to help.
