Stray cat in the ruins of destroyed buildings in Beirut, Lebanon.

Emergency Help for Stray Animals in Lebanon

Help us provide essential food and medical supplies to vulnerable animals caught in a conflict zone

The recent escalations of the military conflict between Lebanon and Israel has had a devastating effect on all those who have been impacted. With thousands displaced, this has caused a surge in stray animals and shelters struggling with shortages of food and medical care.

After conducting detailed assessments, FOUR PAWS, in collaboration with local NGOs and volunteers, will initiate an emergency relief mission in Beirut and Southern Lebanon.

During this mission, we aim to deliver 10 tonnes of essential food, provide much-needed medicine, and have our team available to offer urgent medical treatment to any injured animals in need. This support will be extended to both the population of stray animals and affected animal shelters in Beirut and Southern Lebanon. We plan to provide direct assistance to approximately 2,000 dogs and cats during this initial emergency aid effort.

Follow the timeline for updates on this emergency mission.

Help for animals in Lebanon

Stay tuned for updates

November 2024

Troubling Circumstances May Delay Further Aid

After a week of handing out food and water to animal after animal, we are devastated at how dire their situation is. Some were only skin and bone, and many would have undoubtedly perished if they had not found access to food soon. Together with our local partners, Give Me a Paw and Sour Strays Welfare, we have now distributed 5 tonnes of pet food. However, we know the crisis is far from over and these animals need ongoing support. Our goal is to provide 5 more tonnes of food within the next month — but unfortunately, at this point we cannot guarantee that this will be possible due to the troubling circumstances in the region. What we can promise is that we are working 24/7 to try to make it happen. We cannot rest until we know that these animals who have been through so much, won’t have to go to sleep at night with empty stomachs.

Nearly Five Tonnes of Food Distributed

Thanks to our cooperation with teams on the ground, we were able to reach the most devastated and affected areas, which are only accessible to humanitarian aid workers and the military. So far, we've successfully delivered aid to numerous villages, prioritising those in critical need. Our team have also provided community leaders with animal food, as they know exactly where the help is most needed and will distribute accordingly. Also to Mashala Shelter and another private shelter, which is offering a home for approximately 60 abandoned dogs. In total, we have already distributed nearly five tonnes of cat and dog food. But we want to do more: There are so many animals that urgently need medical care for their injuries‍. Unfortunately, a lot of them have already died from these unimaginable conditions.

Animals in Lebanon Need Our Help

A somber silence fills the air as our FOUR PAWS team under Dr Amir Khalil’s lead move through the crumbling buildings of the affected areas in Lebanon, the weight of devastation is palpable with every step. With the escalation of conflict in Lebanon, many people have had to leave everything behind, including their beloved pets. Some of these animals are unaccustomed to the rough life on the streets, and are now roaming desperately among the empty, destroyed roads, searching for food and water. Others tremble with fear, deeply wounded and hiding in the ruins of shattered buildings. It’s simply devastating. Together with our local partner Give Me a Paw, and with the support of Sour Strays Welfare we are able to offer crucially needed help for animals on the streets and shelters.

Background on this mission

Lebanon has been in a prolonged conflict with Israel, and the latest escalation has caused significant damage and displacement in the region. The ongoing border war has had a devastating impact on the animal population in Southern Lebanon, particularly in areas near the conflict zone. Stray animals, abandoned animals, and livestock have been caught in the crossfire, struggling to survive amidst the destruction and chaos. The situation for animals in Lebanon is extremely dire due to the ongoing conflict and only a few local NGO’s and welfare groups have been able to help.