Some of the animals will be reunited with their owners while others will be put up for adoption
Hundreds of animals stranded in Afghanistan arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday night, after more than six months of rescue efforts by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
A total of 158 dogs and 146 cats touched down at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) aboard a specially converted Russian Ilyushin 76-TD aircraft after stops in Turkey and Iceland.
SPCA International said partners in Kabul reached out to them regarding the pets when U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan.
The groups hoped to evacuate the animals to North America at the time of the withdrawal, but the volatile situation combined with logistical issues resulted in the delay.
“These animals have been on the plane for quite some time,” Lori Kalef, director of programs for SPCA International, said prior their arrival. “We had to reroute at the last minute due to the conflict going on in Russia.”
From YVR, the animals will be transferred to a specially constructed 1,600-square metre facility.
Kalef said about 66 of the animals will be reunited with their owners, while another two dozen will stay with the SPCA until their owners are able to retrieve them.
The others will be put up for adoption across North America.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals can visit the SPCA International website. Applications will be handled by SPCA International and the B.C.-based RainCoast Dog Rescue Society.
Treacherous rescue mission
In a statement, the SPCA said numerous pets were left behind in shelters when their owners fled the country following the Taliban takeover.
A local charity, Kabul Small Animal Rescue, had saved more than 70 dogs from Kabul International Airport and rescued dozens of other animals abandoned by owners when they were forced to flee.
“Celebrating Our Senior Canine Companion: A Heartwarming Family Gathering for the Old Dog’s Birthday”
Dr. Bhavesh’s remarkable journey to establish RRSAINDIA finds its roots in his lifelong affection for animal welfare. His compassion for creatures, kindled from an early age, developed into a fervent commitment that led him to become a veterinarian.
The central focus of his career has been aiding homeless animals within his community. Recognizing the challenges these animals faced in terms of medical care, food, and shelter, Dr. Bhavesh remained steadfast in his mission to mend their physical wounds and provide them the care they deserved.
One pivotal encounter with a patient, Stuffy, unveiled the emotional dimension of animal suffering, profoundly impacting Dr. Bhavesh. Stuffy transcended being a mere patient, becoming a catalyst for a deeper, empathetic connection between him and the animals under his care.
This emotional awakening catalyzed the birth of RRSAINDIA. Dr. Bhavesh realized that holistic healing encompassed not only physical recovery but also addressing the emotional scars of these animals. The charity he founded aimed to merge physical well-being with emotional healing, promising comprehensive care for every creature in need.
RRSAINDIA swiftly became a beacon of hope for homeless animals, offering medical attention, nourishment, shelter, and most importantly, emotional succor. Dr. Bhavesh’s unwavering dedication drew others in the community to rally behind his cause, transforming countless lives in the process.
His journey encapsulates the power of empathy, dedication, and unwavering passion. The lessons learned from Stuffy ignited a revolution in Dr. Bhavesh’s approach, enriching his mission with emotional support alongside physical aid. RRSAINDIA’s inception stands as a testament to his boundless commitment to the welfare of homeless animals and a beacon of inspiration for others to follow suit.
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