December 14, 2024, 8:39 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The political upheaval in Syria is now opening up new opportunities – including for animal welfare. For the first time since the beginning of the civil war, animal welfare activists have been able to care for dogs and cats in Aleppo.
Following the upheaval in Syria, an animal welfare organization was able to care for animals in the megacity of Aleppo for the first time in almost ten years. The animal welfare organization House of Cats Ernesto, which was once founded there and had to stop its work after the outbreak of the civil war, was able to resume its work. When asked by PETBOOK, press spokesman Christoph May from the World Society for the Protection of Animals described the condition of some of the animals as appalling.
Many Dogs and Cats Suffer from Long Untreated Injuries
“During the first visits of our animal welfare team in Aleppo, it became apparent that many dogs and cats had long untreated injuries and wounds, which is why it can be assumed that there was no regular veterinary care for them.”
Various diseases such as diarrhea had also spread among the animals – including pets, farm animals, and strays, reports May. “There is also a lack of food in local facilities such as animal shelters, as this is not available in sufficient quantities due to the great poverty and difficult supply situation in Aleppo.”
“Many People Took up the Offer of Free Veterinary Treatment for Their Cats”
Christoph May explains that the value of cats as pets is particularly evident in metropolitan areas such as Aleppo. “This was also evident at our mobile clinic: many people took up the offer of free veterinary treatment for their cats.” At the same time, the numerous street cats were also provided with food and, if necessary, veterinary treatment.
But what is the current state of the infrastructure for animal aid in the war-torn country? A difficult question that is hard to answer, Christoph May explains in an interview with PETBOOK. “As access to Aleppo from Idlib was denied for so long, we still lack a complete overview of the veterinary services there. However, the condition of the animals that our animal welfare team found in the city suggests that many animals were not receiving regular veterinary care.”
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“It Is Clear to Us That We Will Continue to Stand by the Animals with All Our Strength”
The large crowds of pet owners at the mobile clinic for free care also indicate that there has been a lack of these services recently, says May. There are already concrete plans for the future of animal welfare in and around Aleppo. The first priority is clearly to provide emergency care for the animals. “We will also secure this operation in Aleppo while our animal welfare project in Idlib continues. We want to help as many animals as possible.”
However, May points out that it is not yet possible to make long-term plans in this fragile situation in Syria. “But it is clear to us that we will continue to stand by the animals and our partner organization with all our strength.”