The Impacts of Middle Eastern War on Animals and How You Can Help
- Rachel
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
"After 12 terrifying days of conflict between Israel and Iran, a fragile ceasefire is in place. But for the animals, the nightmare is far from over. As bombs fell and civilians fled, countless pets were left behind - abandoned in shattered homes, or dropped at overwhelmed shelters by desperate families with nowhere else to turn. These animals didn’t deserve this. They are hungry, terrified and in urgent need of help."
Impacts of Middle Eastern War on Animals
In a time of chaos and uncertainty in the Middle East, millions of human lives are affected - yet the consequences of war extend far beyond people to their beloved pets, who are often left behind. The pain and suffering of animals may be less visible, but it remains just as severe. Even wildlife is unable to escape the horror, with the destruction of their habitats causing issues such as:
Increased competition for resources.
Forcing animals into human-populated environments like towns and cities, which are unsuitable and lead to dangerous encounters for both humans and animals.
Poaching in areas where law enforcement is weakened, pushing species closer to extinction.
Pollution and contamination of soil and water.
In addition to pets and wildlife, farmers in Gaza have reported the deaths of thousands of cattle, goats and sheep due to food and water shortages. Israeli bombardment has even destroyed Gaza zoos, and the animals that survived are left starving alongside their human caregivers.
Efforts from charities and welfare organisations to aid animals in conflict zones face significant hurdles. Rescuers often struggle to access dangerous areas, have limited resources and no government funding. Still, they risk their lives every day to reach as many abandoned, trapped and injured animals as possible.
This isn't limited to the Middle East but conflict around the world - our planet earth - which the powers that be are so desperate to destroy, without care or consideration for its other inhabitants.
Network for Animals and Partners
"At Starting Over Sanctuary (SOS) in central Israel, our team cares for over 1,700 animals - 1200 of them donkeys, many maimed and traumatized by war. SOS has just rescued a horse and 60 cats who were severely injured - some dismembered, others blinded by shrapnel - after a devastating missile strike in Tel Aviv. The sanctuary is already struggling to cover its skyrocketing monthly expenses for food and medical care for more than 1,700 animals. Now, with dozens of new traumatized and wounded rescues in need of emergency surgery, food and shelter, the costs are rising by the day."
Network for Animals' partner shelters in Israel and the West Bank are at breaking point. Let the Animals Live (LTAL) shelter is at 120% capacity, with over 300 cats and dogs crammed into every available space. Families whose homes were destroyed are begging them to take in pets that they can no longer care for or don't have permits to cross international borders.
At the Animal Environment Association (AEA) - the only shelter in the West Bank area - animals arrive every week that have been hit by cars, shot or abandoned. Donations and adoptions have slowed, the cost of food is rising and supplies are running out; yet each day brings more rescues, more cries for help and more hungry mouths to feed.
Sulala Animal Rescue
On a smaller scale, yet equally as noteworthy, Sulala Animal Rescue is the only organisation in the Gaza Strip that rescues stray animals. Founder, Saeed Al Err, started out feeding and tending to stray cats and dogs, and he quickly built up a reputation in the area. In addition to the 40 cats he keeps at home, another 30 live with volunteers and he oversees a shelter that's home to 200 dogs!
Sulala Animal Rescue primarily runs on donations, which don't cover all of the necessary costs. Now, with an endless flood of abandoned and injured animals that have been traumatised by war, times are harder than ever.
A Call to Action
From one cat owner to another - one animal lover to another - can you imagine being faced with the impossible decision to leave your furry companion behind in the desperation to save your own life? I implore you not to let the pets of the Middle East be a mere afterthought and help to make their lives just a little more bearable - not just for the animals, but for the owners they were torn from.
Even the smallest donations are put to good use at Network for Animals, an organisation that I've followed and supported since the invasion of Ukraine, which opened my eyes to the brutal - and at times, unseen - effects of war. As history repeats itself, again, we must unite to make a difference.
If you're unable to donate, you can use the power of your voice and social media to share information. Education is key in tackling the impact of war on animal life and, on a broader scale, global awareness can help to generate increased support for conservation and rescue efforts. Remember, the wellbeing of animals is intertwined with our own.
You can help by:
Staying up to date with this topic on the Network for Animals website or making a donation.
Following Sulala Animal Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok where you can find their donation details.
Donating to other animal welfare organisations that have placements in the Middle East.
Sharing this post and other articles.
*Network for Animals is a non-governmental, international animal welfare organisation that often works in difficult situations where animals need the most help. With your donations they can rush food, medicine and emergency care to the helpless animal victims of this brutal war, as well as supporting their partners in rescuing animals with nowhere else to turn.
"The suffering of animals knows no borders."
"Photos and videos of dead animals, emaciated dogs, starving cats and flocks of birds in Gaza have been circulating on social media since the war began in early October. Many were killed, but others starved to death. The survivors are traumatized. Some also suffer physically in the absence of veterinary care."
"The scarcity of food and shelter has led to immense suffering, especially among cats, dogs, horses, donkeys and birds.... We don’t have a presence in the affected region. We have been signposting our supporters to Sulala Animal Rescue and encourage donations to this organisation so they can provide aid and practical support to animals caught up in the conflict.... At the request of Sulala we have written to the US Government, Israeli Ambassadors in key locations and the Israeli Government imploring them to allow aid for animals through the checkpoints."
"We at IFAW extend our heartfelt concern for the people and animals enduring the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. We express our condolences for the innocent lives lost and our profound sympathy for the people and animals affected by the turmoil. We acknowledge the immense challenges faced by families forced to flee, being separated from loved ones and leaving behind their beloved pets and livestock, adding another layer of tragedy to an already devastating situation."
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