As the year draws to a close, we are so grateful for our dedicated supporters, who helped us save countless animals from wars, floods and terrible abuse. It is only through your support that we can crusade for animals around the world, month after month and year after year.
In November, we rushed emergency aid to animals affected by war and natural disasters in the Middle East, Spain and Ukraine, provided life-saving veterinary care for neglected dogs in Zimbabwe, and raised funds to help build a new shelter for animals in South Africa being evicted from their home due to safety concerns at a nearby nuclear power station.
Here is how your support helped animals in November:
Lebanon 🇱🇧
Replacing a crucial rescue vehicle for war-torn animals
Houssein Hamze, our partner and the founder of Mashala Shelter in Lebanon, recently faced an unimaginable tragedy. A devastating missile attack reduced his home to rubble, leaving 60 cats in his care dead, injured or missing, and completely destroying his animal rescue vehicle. Without his van, the 200 dogs at the shelter who depend on him for food were left stranded.
While many fled the violence, Houssein refused to evacuate the area and abandon his dogs, knowing that, without him, they would have no-one else to turn to. We reached out to you for help, and thanks to your generosity – and the support of a very special major donor – we have raised the funds needed to replace Houssein’s rescue vehicle. Thank you for empowering Houssein to continue being a lifeline for Lebanon’s animals.
Read the original article here.
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Saving an abused dog and uplifting hundreds more from suffering
Aurora, a blind and severely emaciated dog, was chained to a fence at our partner shelter, the Friend Animal Foundation (FAF) in Harare, in the dead of night. Barely able to stand, Aurora was little more than a walking skeleton. The vet confirmed she could recover with long-term care, but her blindness is permanent.
Now safe at FAF, Aurora faces a long, costly road to recovery. With 610 animals at the shelter and resources stretched to breaking point by Zimbabwe’s ongoing financial crisis, FAF struggles to keep up with skyrocketing veterinary costs and an increasing number of abandoned animals. Your hearts went out to Aurora, helping us cover her life-saving treatments and reducing the burden of FAF’s mounting vet bills so they can continue giving all their animals the care they need.
Read the original article here.
Spain 🇪🇸
Rushing emergency aid to animals amid devastating floods
In early November, torrential rains unleashed destructive flash floods across Spain’s eastern coastline. Weather warnings came too late, leaving no time for our partners to evacuate the hundreds of animals in their care. After nearly a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours in Valencia, three of our partner animal shelters were almost completely destroyed.
Thanks to your compassion, we were able to race into action, rushing funds for emergency repairs to the damaged shelters, replacing the food supplies that were washed away, and delivering medical care to injured and affected animals. Through your support, we have been able to make a real difference for vulnerable animals in Spain who lost their only home to these deadly floods.
Read the original article here.
Israel 🇮🇱
Rescuing animals from the horrors of war in the Middle East
It has been over a year since conflict escalation in the Middle East began, spreading chaos and death across several countries. Tens of thousands of animals have fallen victim to the violence. Our partner, Let the Animals Live (LTAL), has rescued 500 animals from the war zone over the past year. But thousands more remain trapped in conflict areas.
Our supporters once again stepped up for animals, helping us to support ongoing rescue operations for animal victims of war, while providing critically needed funds for food, medication and life-saving veterinary care. Thank you for being a friend to war-stricken animals in their darkest hour of need.
Read the original article here.
South Africa 🇿🇦
Rebuilding a shelter and relocating 350 animals amid nuclear power plant safety concerns
In November, we received the heartbreaking news that one of our oldest partner shelters in South Africa, Fallen Angels, was being evicted because of safety regulations at a nearby nuclear power station. The government gave Fallen Angels just 90 days to relocate 350 animals – and unless they are relocated in time, they face seizure and euthanization at the hands of the authorities.
We are relieved to tell you that, thanks to your generosity, we have raised enough funds to begin installing perimeter fencing on a new plot of land. While we have made progress, we have not yet reached our fundraising goal to build a comprehensive shelter for the animals. We remain committed to raising the additional funds needed for kennels and essential infrastructure, while preparing for the daunting task of relocating 350 dogs and cats.
With just under 60 days left, we hope the authorities will grant an extension to give us more time to create a permanent, safe home for these animals, but we cannot rely on them to make the right choice. With your continued support, we’ll do everything in our power to save them and build them the forever home they deserve – before it’s too late.
Read the original article here.
Latest Updates
Croatia – We successfully campaigned to halt cruel horse log-pulling competition. In a massive win for animals, the Croatian Veterinary Inspectorate has blocked a horse log-pulling competition, stating that the organizers failed to “prove the possibility of avoiding pain, suffering, injury, or fear in the horses, in violation of the Animal Protection Act.” Together with our partner, Animal Friends Croatia, we have been fighting tirelessly to end this cruelty. This milestone brings us one step closer to a complete ban. Read more.
Herut, Israel – Baby donkey Sunday makes a miraculous recovery, thanks to you. When our partner, Starting Over Sanctuary (SOS), rescued donkey foal Sunday, he could not even stand because of the torture he had endured. But thanks to your donations, we covered the cost of his emergency care and rehabilitation. Sunday has since gained weight, his wounds are healing and he can walk on his own. And there is more heartwarming news – he has formed a special bond with fellow rescued donkey foal Espresso, and the two love to run and play together at the sanctuary. Read more.
Cape Town, South Africa – Township dog Tigga’s tremendous transformation. When our partner, Fallen Angels, found Tigga, he was emaciated, suffering from severe mange and barely clinging to life in the gang-ridden township of Bonteheuwel. His body was covered in scabs and hairless patches, and a piece of his tail had been chopped off, likely the result of a terrible act of cruelty. But after our team took him in and gave him the food, shelter, medical care and love he needed, Tigga is now healthy and happy at the Fallen Angels shelter, eagerly awaiting his forever home. Read more.
Herut, Israel – YOU helped save hundreds of donkeys from the Middle East war zone. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, our partner, Starting Over Sanctuary (SOS), has rescued over 200 donkeys from the violence and devastation of the war zone. Many of the rescued donkeys arrive at the sanctuary in dreadful condition and require months of rehabilitation to recover. SOS faced overwhelming food and vet bills, but thanks to your generous donations, we rushed funds to help cover the cost of food and vet care for more than 200 rescued donkeys. Read more.
Thank you for being a friend and hero to animals in November. Though they can’t speak for themselves, we know in our hearts that they are eternally grateful for your support – and so are we.