Some of the animals will be reunited with their owners while others will be put up for adoption
Hundreds of animals stranded in Afghanistan arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday night, after more than six months of rescue efforts by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
A total of 158 dogs and 146 cats touched down at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) aboard a specially converted Russian Ilyushin 76-TD aircraft after stops in Turkey and Iceland.
The groups hoped to evacuate the animals to North America at the time of the withdrawal, but the volatile situation combined with logistical issues resulted in the delay.
“These animals have been on the plane for quite some time,” Lori Kalef, director of programs for SPCA International, said prior their arrival. “We had to reroute at the last minute due to the conflict going on in Russia.”
From YVR, the animals will be transferred to a specially constructed 1,600-square metre facility.
Kalef said about 66 of the animals will be reunited with their owners, while another two dozen will stay with the SPCA until their owners are able to retrieve them.
The others will be put up for adoption across North America.
In a statement, the SPCA said numerous pets were left behind in shelters when their owners fled the country following the Taliban takeover.
A local charity, Kabul Small Animal Rescue, had saved more than 70 dogs from Kabul International Airport and rescued dozens of other animals abandoned by owners when they were forced to flee.
The 16 adorable dogs, cats and rabbits up for adoption at RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield
The charity homes the animals, some of which arrived as they could no longer be cared for by their previous owner, at a centre in East Ardsley. Regardless of how they end up there, the animals are cared for until a new home can be found. The RSPCA also offers advice to people who already own pets but may be struggling to cope with the cost of food or healthcare.
Here are all the cats, dogs and rabbits currently being cared for at the centre that have not yet been matched up with the right owners. More information can be found on the RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield website.
One-year-old River is looking for a new home which is cat free, as he is a bit too boisterous around them. He enjoys the company of people and would love his new family to be around a lot of the time. (Photo: RSPCA)Seven-year-olds Bob and Dooba were found after they had sadly been abandoned. They would make the perfect duo for any family. (Photo: RSPCA)Bob is missing an eye, but the RSPCA team think he was born without it so he has adapted well. He is very affectionate and likes to be in the company of others – he’ll happily sit on your lap. (Photo: RSPCA)Dooba has the greenest of eyes and loves a love a good lap to lay on. He really enjoys being stroked and will even jump on your back! (Photo: RSPCA)These beautiful huskies went through a lot of neglect before coming to the centre, and waited months before they were rehomed – sadly, it was not their forever home and they are back again. (Photo: RSPCA)Tala is eight years old and very laidback – she love a good belly rub and pottering round the garden (Photo: RSPCA)Goose is permanently on the move but so affectionate and loving towards his favourite people. He enjoys a good brush and cuddle. (Photo: RSPCA)Two-year-old Rodger has a huge character and love for attention and being around people. He’s quite confident once settled and will happily come up and say hello – he enjoys a stroke and fuss too. (Photo: RSPCA)Four-year-old Taz is a GSD x Akita who came to the centre last year after a family could no longer adopt her. She went through lots of training and was adopted again but this did not work out for her. Now, she is ready to find her forever family. (Photo: RSPCA)MoreThree-month-old kittens Kenickie and Sandy arrived at the RSPCA along with three of their siblings, who have now been reserved. They are hoping to be adopted as a pair and are still very young, so their new forever family will need to be around a lot to keep them entertained. (Photo: RSPCA)MoreSandy is super soppy and loves a lap nap (Photo: RSPCA)Kenickie is always on the go and looking for the next toy to play with (Photo: RSPCA)This one-year-old rabbit is a handsome, chunky and curious lad. He loves to people watch and enjoys being around and sniffing people, although can get wary when being stroked. (Photo: RSPCA)This is mother and daughter duo Audrey and Fran. The cheeky Chihuahuas, aged nine and five, do everything together – eating, napping and playing. (Photo: RSPCA)Mum Audrey is shyer than Fran and can take longer to trust new people, but once she’s comfortable, she loves a cuddle. (Photo: RSPCA)Fran always checks out new visitors, giving them the sniff of approval. The pair would suit a family experienced with Chihuahuas, and a calm, quiet and patient home with older children would be ideal. (Photo: RSPCA)Bluebell and Buttercup are a closely-bonded pair of sisters who do almost everything together. They’re about three months old and are big foodies, they love their greens – and they’re very curious and playful. (Photo: RSPCA)Zeus, a Staffie X, is a three-year-old bundle of energy and is looking for a family willing to offer unconditional love and keep up with his training. He can be unsure of other dogs so would suit a family that could help him feel comfortable when out on walks. Despite getting over excited at times, he loves a cuddle. (Photo: RSPCA)MoreLuca is a happy-go-lucky bun who really enjoys a quiet and relaxing life. The one-year-old is super sweet and enjoy the company of people, he likes to be stroked whilst sat next to his favourite people.
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