Afghanistan animals need our help

Kabul’s first ever female-led veterinary clinic and shelter, Kabul Small Animal Rescue, has been operating in the region for several years. Their work has brought kindness, alleviated suffering and given a second chance to thousands of animals from the streets of Kabul. They haven’t stopped their tireless work, even as the situation there intensifies. Seeing their work filled me with an immense worry for their safety, but an even greater sense of gratitude.
When I spoke with their founder and Director, Charlotte, last night, I could hear the distinctive Chinook helicopters above her. Our call was disrupted by the sound of gunfire, and she excused herself to check on everyone. In that moment, this ‘reality’ I’d only known through my TV screen became clear. Her calm demeanour left me speechless on the other end of the phone and in the comfort and safety of my own home in Australia I was awestruck by her bravery. She has a seat available on an evacuation flight, but has chosen to stay, to be with her staff and the animals who need them.

Charlotte and her team are operating in a complete state of unknown. The situation around them is volatile, and the city is in disarray. The team is all too aware of how dangerous this situation is for them, particularly for the women, but they won’t turn animals away. After rehoming hundreds of rescued animals internationally in the last several weeks, the shelter has quickly filled again with animals left by residents who have managed to flee Kabul or embassy staff evacuating en masse.

During our call, Charlotte methodically ran through their plan to ensure that food and veterinary supplies remain their priority and I heard her pause to comfort a kitten on her lap. She asked for an update on what I’m seeing on TV because she has been so busy with the animals. I tried to sound confident, watching live coverage of plumes of smoke rising from embassies destroying sensitive documents and flares being dropped not far from where she is.

None of us fully understand what the coming days and weeks will bring for the people and animals in Afghanistan.
And when you look at these kind faces, take heart in the fact that they are doing everything possible to be where animals need them. Because somehow hope is still very alive and present in Kabul, and the compassion of these beautiful people will not be quelled, even in this unimaginable situation.

Your generosity fuels our emergency grants program and is helping achieve our vision: to create a world where kindness, compassion and respect extend to all living beings. This program continues to provide lifesaving support for animals around the world affected by COVID-19 and natural disasters — and situations like that unfolding in Afghanistan. Through it you’re helping foster ‘kindness in action’ and ignite a belief in a higher potential for humanity.

Louise Bonomi
Animals Australia

My thanks to Animals Australia for this article. Please help their cause by donating .