"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated" - Ghandi
Every single year, thousands of animals fall prey to cruelty, abandonment and neglect... They are victims without a voice!
With the absence of laws against animal cruelty, Lebanon has become a hostile place to live for our furry friends. The stories shared by animal welfare associations on a daily basis are simply heartbreaking, as these organizations have become the only voice in the mute world of animals! Their selfless sacrifice is slowly and steadily restoring faith in the human race…
These are stories of hope and compassion. Stories that made us cry but also made us marvel at the bonds of love between species and our forgotten capacity for unconditional love!
Beta (Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), is a Lebanese NGO aiming to aid animals through awareness and rescuing campaigns as well as providing rehabilitation and a safe haven for animals! Beta did a marvelous job in 2013, and we chose some stories they shared along the year.
- Rebel : Shot then tortured!
One of the most tragic stories we stumbled upon, is Rebel's ! This sweet dog was not only shot at close range but also tortured afterwards in a cruel attempt to slit his throat! After receiving word of the tragedy, Beta's volunteers rushed to rescue the dog whom they later named Rebel, and took him in for immediate surgery. Despite the unimaginable ordeal, Rebel pulled through!
More about Rebel here
- Brad : The Friendly dog shot at close range
One dog's story shook the public opinion for days and had social media platforms buzzing! An animal lover spotted a friendly dog being chased by an armed man. The dog showed no sign of aggression, still the man shot him! As the dog went to hide under a building, the perpetrator followed him in an attempt to finish the job! It was the bravery of one adolescent, who stood against the cruelty of an armed man, which saved Brad's life! Beta took immediate legal action against the man who committed this hideous crime! Watch Brad's story here
- Skyler: The sole survivor of a tragic story
Skyler is a kitten who was stuck for weeks, along with its siblings in the basement of a school. What Beta volunteers came across when they finally reached the site was beyond belief! Bones, and rotten flesh filled the room and Skyler was the only kitten who had survived what seemed to be a massacre. The volunteers were never sure whether the kittens were attacked by rats or ate each other out of starvation, but they had to relocate the emaciated kitten immediately. Medical treatment was needed but mostly rehabilitation since Skyler had never seen humans before! Read more about Skyler here
- Daisy : Rescued just in time!
It is unknown whether Daisy was run over by a motorcycle or got stuck and broke her leg as a result, but when Beta was alerted about a kitten in pain they rushed to the rescue only to find a fragile creature with bones sticking out of her leg! Immediate medical care and a foster home were provided. Read more about Daisy here
Animals Lebanon is one of the country's associations relentlessly working to protect animals through legalization and education campaigns. Its volunteers have made symphonic changes in the lives of countless animals. We chose a few rescue stories from their archive.
More about Animals Lebanon here
- Hazel and Aiden : An unforgettable rescue!
Hazel and Aiden lived miserably on the streets. Covered with skin diseases, starving and sick, the two dogs were suffering immensely. Animals Lebanon received a call and hurried to a difficult rescue. With proper medical care and rehabilitation, Aiden and Hazel were finally ready for a new life! More about their stories here
- Bambi : An amazing transformation!
Animals Lebanon received word that a kitten they later named Bambi, was found in horrible condition and awaiting an agonizing death. Volunteers rushed to the rescue and found Bambi unable to stand, dehydrated and suffering from intestinal malfunction. With medical care and a loving foster home, the kitten was able to cross continents all the way to the US to undergo surgery!
Elpida was about to be killed when an animal lover picked her up and contacted Animals Lebanon. The dog was extremely malnourished, her hip was broken and she had terrible skin issues. Elpida was in constant pain!
After extensive medical treatment and lots of struggle with foster care, Elpida made a full recovery and was adopted by a loving family in the US.
- Grey : Left to die in a box!
Grey was abandoned in a cardboard box while suffering from severe injuries! The young cat had a broken jaw and nose as well as serious respiratory issues.
It took a lot of love and care to bring this sweetheart back to health! Watch Grey’s recovery video here
APAF (Animals Pride and Freedom) is also a Lebanese animal welfare association that rescues animals and offers them a second chance! APAF has also been working hard to stop dog fights and bring perpetrators to justice!
More about APAF here
Atilla’s story is beyond belief! The dog was burned down to the bones and left to suffer for a whole week up until a volunteer accidentally found him and contacted APAF. Atilla’s owner was out of reach and this was clearly a case of animal abuse! With medical care, sweet Atilla made a long journey back to health and is now in the care of a loving family! More about Atilla here
- Gin : Rescued from a cruel Doctor!
Gin is a beautiful Swiss Shepard who was found with a spiked chain almost completely planted around its neck. The abuser was this time a doctor. Fortunately, Gin was rescued by APAF volunteers who had a very hard time trying to take her away from her abusive owner! The pup was rushed to a nearby vet who helped save its life! More about Gin here
- Mojo : rescued from sexual abuse!
APAF received a very disturbing call about an individual abusing a puppy both sexually and physically. They had to get the puppy out of harm’s way immediately! Mojo’s rescue was one of the hardest, yet volunteers were able to retrieve the dog that is now living happily in a forever home!
- Ricco : reunited with his family after 7 years!
Seven years ago, Darina lost her puppy Ricco. She relentlessly looked for him with no luck.
When APAF was delivered a 10 year old dog, Darina immediately recognized him and contacted the association. The tired dog responded to the name Ricco and instantly recognized his human friend. What happened to Ricco during these seven years is still unknown but he was finally reunited with his long lost family which was the perfect Christmas gift and a story of hope to all those who ever lost pets! More about Ricco here