Food brings relief to dogs in Lebanon

Food brings relief to dogs in Lebanon. OIPA recently delivered a vital 600kg of dry food to dogs in need in Lebanon. 30 bags, each weighing 20kg, were distributed to our partner Back2life Dog Rescue and their tailed friends at the Shouf Dog Shelter.

This recent delivery of 600kg of dry food to dogs in Lebanon through our partner Back2life Dog Rescue is a crucial step in providing relief to these animals. However, it’s important to remember that this is just a small fraction of the ongoing need for nourishment for dogs in distress throughout the country. The challenges faced by these animals are significant, and consistent support is vital to ensure their well-being.

We urge everyone to consider contributing to our efforts, as every contribution, no matter how small, makes a real difference in the lives of these deserving dogs.

December Support for Animals in Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created immense hardship for animals. During the month of December, a significant contribution was made to support homeless dogs. 280 kg of pet food was successfully delivered to Gorod Cobak’s shelter in Mikolaiv, ensuring the well-being of the 180 dogs currently under their care.

We encourage continued support for animal welfare efforts in Ukraine.
Donate for our campaign Emergency Ukraine

A Pawsome act of kindness for cats.

A Pawsome act of kindness for cats. After receiving an email written by a lady, who was in a difficult situation and with limited resources to properly care for her own pets and other street cats, OIPA donated 50 kg of cat food (wet and dry) to these needy four paws in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This generous gift will provide much-needed nourishment and relief to these cats, ensuring they have access to essential food and a chance to thrive.

A little Christmas present for these beautiful tailed friends.

They are family, not presents. A pet is a lifelong commitment, not a holiday trend

The Pitfalls of Gifting Animals at Christmas

The excitement of Christmas, coupled with the desire to bring joy to loved ones, sometimes leads to the act of gifting an animal. This decision can have unfortunate consequences.

Giving Animals as Gifts: A Discouraged Practice

Giving animals as Christmas gifts – whether puppies, kittens, or any other animal – is never advisable. Welcoming an animal into a family is a significant decision requiring awareness and responsibility. It should not be taken lightly, especially on behalf of others. Caring for an animal is a lifelong commitment demanding time, patience, financial resources, and sometimes even personal sacrifices.

The Unexpected Realities of Pet Ownership

When gifting a puppy, people often overlook these considerations, caught up in the excitement of the moment and assuming the recipient will be overjoyed. Sadly, many animals given as Christmas presents end up abandoned in the following months (which, as a reminder, is a crime punishable by law). This is not always due to cruelty, but rather a realization that the commitment is overwhelming.

Choosing Adoption Over Purchase

If, with careful consideration and a true commitment, you decide to welcome an animal into your family, OIPA urges you to adopt from shelters and rescues. Avoid purchasing animals from pet stores or breeding farms, which may be involved in illegal puppy trafficking.

Alternative Ways to Celebrate Animals

If you are not ready to adopt, already have pets, or wish to give a gift related to animals to friends or family who are animal lovers, consider alternative options this Christmas.

Supporting Abandoned Animals

Contribute to giving abandoned animals the greatest gift of all: a chance at a better life. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference. A small contribution can make a huge difference. €10 can feed a dog for a week, €50 can cover the costs of a veterinary check-up, and €150 can help with the spaying or neutering of a dog or cat in need. Every donation counts, no matter the amount.

Let’s make this holiday season brighter for those who need it most

14 dogs fly from Lebanon to a new life. A few weeks ago, we shared the news of the urgent request received by OIPA International from ‘Back To Life Dog Rescue‘, an Italian organization led by Lebanese activist Pascale. They were seeking help to  evacuate 30 dogs from Lebanon, a country threatened by an extremely unstable security situation.

A Successful First Step

Thanks to the incredible solidarity of our supporters, both in Italy and abroad, we were able to make significant progress. The first 14 dogs have already embarked on a new life of freedom.

OIPA International, through your generous donations, covered the travel expenses for 10 of these dogs and purchased two large kennels for transportation. The remaining 4, who had already found loving homes, were sponsored directly by their adoptive families.

Overcoming Challenges

To reduce the initially high transportation costs associated with a cargo flight, we opted for a more economical solution. The dogs traveled on a commercial flight with Middle East Airlines from Beirut to Milan, accompanied by dedicated flight sponsors. Departing in the early hours of the day, they arrived at Milan-Malpensa airport, where they continued their journey to shelters arranged by Back To Life Dog Rescue. The four adopted dogs were welcomed directly at the airport by their overjoyed new families.

A Dream for the Future

Our hope is that all the rescued dogs find loving homes soon, and we dream of evacuating the remaining dogs in Lebanon to offer them a life free from suffering.

Food donation for cats in Tuzla

Food donation for cats in Tuzla. In response to a heartfelt request from our member association, Wag Wag, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we could not stand by without offering support. One of their dedicated volunteers, Amra, who cares for over 20 cats in Tuzla, was facing a severe economic crisis. Despite her own struggles, including often going without food, she had been feeding the animals with cooked pasta to prevent them from starving.

In order to help alleviate her burden, we provided about 50 kg of dry and wet cat food to support Amra and her furry companions during this difficult time.

November Support for Animals in Ukraine. Over 500 kg of pet food has been delivered to Mykolaiv, Vilhnovisk and Nykopol.

Aid to Gorod Cobak Shelter in Mykolaiv

Over 280 kg of dry dog food has been delivered to the Gorod Cobak shelter in Mykolaiv, where more than 180 dogs are cared for. This generous contribution will help meet the nutritional needs of these animals, ensuring they stay healthy and well-fed.

Supporting Stray Animals in Vilhnovisk

In addition, 40 kilograms of pet food were sent to Vilhnovisk to support a local volunteer’s efforts to care for stray dogs and cats. Some of this food was also used to provide emergency provisions for pets in need. Among those receiving special attention were Uma, Linxy, Kasya, Kuru, and Sonya, who were given both dry and wet food tailored to their specific dietary requirements.

Assistance for Strays in Nykopol

Furthermore, 200 kg of food was sent to a volunteer in Nykopol, who is looking after approximately 70 stray cats and 30 dogs. This vital support will help sustain the well-being of these animals amidst difficult circumstances.

The Ongoing Need for Animal Aid

The war in Ukraine continues to have a profound impact on both people and animals, and while global attention shifts towards the conflict in the Middle East, the need for assistance remains urgent. Many animals are still relying on our help for survival and care.

Ongoing Commitment from OIPA

OIPA remains committed to supporting animals in need, and we are grateful for the continued support of our donors. Together, we can ensure that these animals receive the care and nourishment they deserve during these challenging times.

Your kindness and generosity can have a significant impact.
Thank you for your continued support to our campaign Emergency Ukraine