From the BBC:
“Afghanistan: Rescued animals
'in amazing condition' in UK”
(Animal rescue worker Lorraine
Edwards transported dogs and cats from Heathrow Airport to a quarantine centre)
A woman who helped process
rescued dogs and cats flown from Afghanistan said they were "in amazing
condition". Some 150 animals from former Royal Marine Paul "Pen"
Farthing's shelter in Kabul arrived at Heathrow Airport on a private charter
flight on Sunday. Lorraine Edwards transported them to quarantine kennels and
expected most to be adopted by former military staff. She said they flew in an
aircraft's hold and did not occupy any space that could have been used by
humans. Mr Farthing, from Dovercourt in Essex, set up the Nowzad animal shelter
in the Afghan capital, rescuing dogs, cats and donkeys, after serving in the
country in the mid-2000s.
(Some 150 animals were flown to
the UK from Paul "Pen" Farthing's shelter in Kabul)
Ms Edwards runs a dog rescue
centre in Hertford and has helped transport the Nowzad animals to a quarantine
site elsewhere in the UK. "These animals were rescued from the street and
offered the precious gift of companionship and comfort to our soldiers,"
she said. "Despite the long journey, they are in amazing condition and,
after four months of quarantine, they will be given the wonderful new homes
they deserve." Mr Farthing said he had spent weeks campaigning to
transport his employees and animals from Afghanistan, but so far had only
managed to get himself and the animals out. He said he would not rest until the
68 staff still in Kabul were safe.
(Pen Farthing with a rescue dog)
On Saturday, The Times reported
it had a recording of him berating a special adviser to Defence Secretary Ben
Wallace in which he accused him of "blocking" efforts to arrange a
private evacuation flight. He later apologised for the expletive-laden message
and thanked the government for its support. Mr Wallace previously said Mr
Farthing's supporters had "taken up too much time of my senior commanders
dealing with this issue when they should be focused on dealing with the
humanitarian crisis".
(Dog rescued from Afghanistan.)
Ms Edwards, who runs a dog rescue
centre in Hertford in Hertfordshire, described Mr Farthing as a "selfless,
compassionate man" who had allowed others to be flown out of the country
before himself. The final British flight left Afghanistan on Saturday, bringing
to an end the UK's 20-year military involvement in the country. More than
15,000 people have been evacuated by the UK since 14 August.
^ It’s great to see and hear that
the dogs are doing well in the UK. ^
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.