Americans evacuating the war-torn country of Lebanon are not allowed to bring pets onboard ships carrying people out of the region, The U.S. State Department has announced.
In an official statement released Wednesday, July 19, the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs says, The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
However, the announcement goes on to state that no pets are allowed to board transportation taking Americans from the region. The announcement gives no suggestions as to where domestic animals can be taken to be cared for.
The Canadian and British governments, which are each also conducting large-scale evacuations of its citizens, have also stated that pets must be left behind.
Large-scale evacuations of Americans and Europeans from Lebanon began on Wednesday; they were made necessary after wide-scale violence erupted between Israel and militants based in Lebanon.
Before evacuations began, an estimated 25,000 Americans were in Lebanon; the number of those with pets is unknown.
Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other organizations operate animal shelters in several Lebanese cities. For information, visit http://animals.beirut.com/index.php or http://www.hcds.5u.com.
Posted: July 20, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST