In the middle of the Gaza Strip, a Dutch NGO stands out for saving animals from the war. They raise funds to take care of dogs, cats, or donkeys in the occupied Palestinian territories.
This is Animal Heroes, which faces numerous obstacles daily to carry out its project. Volunteers work in Gaza and the West Bank, since January 21.
Moreover, they will soon open the first emergency veterinary clinic in the city of Jenin, in the north of Palestine, near the border with Lebanon.
How Animal Heroes, the NGO that saves animals from war, works
Ester Kef, founder of Animal Heroes. (Photo: Euronews).[/caption>
The charitable organization Animal Heroes, based in the Netherlands, seeks to alleviate animal suffering in the Palestinian territories, supporting the local population caring for the animals.
“The situation of the animals is horrible, because since October 7, many people (in the West Bank) have been unemployed,” said Esther Kef, founder of the NGO to Euronews.
This has also led to an increase in violence against animals. “We have seen several animals completely torn apart by people for no reason, just to express violence,” said the volunteer.
Animal Heroes supports Bethlehem Shelter, the only registered charity in the West Bank founded by another animal lover, Diana Babish. However, from November 2023 until now, Kef assures that the deterioration has been noticeable.
Designed for 100 animals, the shelter now houses about 200 dogs. The exterior fences had to be closed after Babish realized that people were coming at night to harm and poison them.
Violence and mistreatment of animals is increasing
This is how Animal Heroes works. (Photo: Euronews).[/caption>
The number of animals run over on the streets has also tripled, according to the veterinarians hired by Animal Heroes. “As a positive note, now younger people are starting to bring abandoned animals on the street that have been run over,” added Kef.
Their charity has also partnered with Bethlehem University and the Ministry of Education to launch an awareness program aimed at children to promote and educate about animal welfare.
How does the veterinary clinic help animals?
It is estimated that in Jenin there are about 2000 stray dogs, but no organization was dedicated to their care until now. Babish receives calls every day from people in Jenin who say they have found an injured dog or cat.
With the ambition to treat about 150 animals per month from all over the West Bank, it is expected that medical care will entail 3500 euros in monthly bills for the charity.
Animal Heroes requests donations to cover the supply of antibiotics and other first aid items, as well as to acquire more advanced equipment such as an X-ray machine.
