Two animal welfare organizations thousands of miles apart are working together to rescue nearly 300 war-affected cats and dogs in Beirut, Lebanon. Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA) and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary of Kanab, Utah, are transporting the dogs and cats to the United States, where hundreds of animal lovers have offered to adopt the animals.
The 150 dogs and 145 cats left Beirut International Airport Sept. 25, on board an Emirates Cargo plane ultimately bound for Utah. Several animal humane personnel from Best Friends and BETA accompanied the Lebanese cats and dogs.
When the animals reach Utah, they will be housed temporarily at Best Friends’ property in Kanab. Shelter workers and volunteers erected two temporary structures called yurts, made from wood and canvas, which provide more space than 70 10-feet-by-10-feet dog runs. The Lebanese cats and dogs will undergo final health and behavior evaluations before going to live with their new, permanent families.
For more information on Best Friends’ and BETA’s efforts to rescue the animals in Lebanon, visit Best Friends’ website.