Lebanese Caretaker Rescues Abandoned Pets Amid Ongoing Southern Lebanon Conflict
Since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, many stray dogs, some infected with rabies, have crossed into Israel from Gaza and northern borders via Lebanon and Syria. This rabies outbreak has caused a significant rise in infected dogs, posing a major risk to human contact. Despite this grim situation, there are individuals like Hussein Hamza in Kfaroue village, Nabatieh district, southern Lebanon, who dedicate themselves daily to feeding and caring for abandoned animals left behind by fleeing residents.
Hamza's animal shelter, Mashalla, has seen its population double since the war began about four months ago, as hundreds of thousands fled their homes, leaving behind pets and livestock including dogs, chickens, and camels. Many animals arrived injured. The recent conflict escalated after Hezbollah, backed by Iran, launched rockets at Israel following US and Israeli strikes in Iran linked to Operation Roaring Lion.
Hamza explained that locals contacted him to rescue their chickens, fearing they would be preyed upon or starve if left behind during rapid evacuations. Although some areas near his village experienced airstrikes, Kfaroue remained relatively calm compared to zones closer to the Israeli border. Hamza has cared for animals since 2006, funding the shelter initially from his own agricultural business until bankruptcy forced him to seek donations via Facebook.
He spends approximately $400 to $500 daily on food, medical care, sterilization, staff wages, and maintenance. Fundraising is challenging amid Lebanon’s many urgent humanitarian needs, with donors often prioritizing displaced people or war casualties. Hamza stresses the moral obligation to care for dependent animals despite war and poverty. While ongoing instability deters many from adopting pets, some animals from his shelter have found new homes, including a dog adopted by Abbas Shuaib, whose owners were killed in an airstrike. Shuaib highlighted the mutual love and care that pets provide.
