Animals continue to be lost in the shuffle amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In Lebanon, one organization isn’t turning a blind eye to their suffering, and we’re helping them save lives.

Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA), the country’s first and largest shelter, is now caring for 1,550 animals, including 1,350 dogs and more than 120 cats, along with horses, donkeys, monkeys, chickens, and other small animals.

Since its founding in 2004, the organization has seen its share of tragedies, but despite the dangers often associated with rescuing during conflicts, it hasn’t slowed down or stopped. Thanks to its efforts, thousands of lives have been saved, and many have found loving homes in other countries, but the current situation has them operating over capacity.

The UN estimates over 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon since March. The current conflict and recent airstrikes have left unknown numbers of animals who have tragically lost their guardians, or been abandoned inside homes or set free to fend for themselves, and BETA is working to find and rescue them.

Animals are being found scared, confused, injured, and starving by BETA’s team members, who, despite risks to their own lives, are traveling to areas that have been affected to rescue them and leave food with people who have stayed behind to protect their villages.

We’re grateful to the brave feeders who tip off BETA to animals in severe need, who also help track them and reunite them with their guardians.

BETA found this cat on the street crying, took him in, and had him treated for an abscess in his mouth.

Some are entirely unable to fend for themselves. Locals alerted BETA to retrieve two dogs caged in a backyard without food, water, or shelter.

Thanks to their efforts, many have been taken in, treated, and fed, but with so many animals in need, resources are being stretched thin.

Funds are urgently needed to provide food and veterinary care as the crisis continues. Quality and supply issues force BETA to import reliable food from Germany, costing about $22,000 USD a month, just to feed the dogs.

How You Can Help

Animals in the Middle East urgently need a lifeline. You can help them by making a donation.