Think what you’d like about PETA. Extreme, yes. In your face, yes– KFC anyone? But so far they’re one of only two* organizations I’ve heard of who are significantly addressing the animals’ needs in this time of war.
Images of kittens sniffing amid the rubble. Dogs seen running frantically down the streets. These scenes—reminiscent of cruel and illegal decisions made by American officials in the wake of Hurricane Katrina—are reality once more in Lebanon.
Animals don’t belong to religions or have nationalities, and they own no bombs or tanks, yet they suffer in our wars. PETA representatives Jason Baker—a veteran of animal rescue efforts in New York City following September 11 and in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina—and Michele Rokke are in the Middle East leading the only foreign-based animal rescue team helping terrified animals who are trapped in the war zone.
The Rescue Team’s Latest Dispatch From Lebanon
August 5, 2006: PETA’s Work Continues as the Bombs Fall
We continued to feed and water the many terrified animals who are roaming the streets south of Beirut, including this cat in the city of Tyr.
PETA’s Jason Baker reported today that a bridge was bombed and destroyed no more than an hour after he had crossed it—a startling reminder of the constant danger that those of all nations and species face right now in Lebanon.
What you can do to help:
- Urge President George W. Bush not to break the law by encouraging abandonment of companion animals. Ask him to ensure the safety of all Americans in Lebanon by ordering that citizens be allowed to evacuate with their animal companions.
- Donate to PETA’s Animal Emergency Fund, support their work for animals, including their disaster response teams, the transport and care of rescued animals, efforts to send disaster preparedness information to media outlets before storms hit, and their assistance of stricken communities in times of need.
- Ensure your own animal’s safety and make sure you’re prepared in case an emergency arises.
See more photos from the rescue work in Lebanon.
*The IFAW is the 2nd organization taking part in rescue efforts, providing grants to Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
0 Response to “Middle East war zone animal rescues”