Planeload of abandoned dogs and cats from Afghanistan arrives in Vancouver

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.

SPCA International said partners in Kabul reached out to them regarding the pets when U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan.

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.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals can visit the SPCA International website. Applications will be handled by SPCA International and the B.C.-based RainCoast Dog Rescue Society.

Treacherous rescue mission

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.

Heartbreak on the Iron Bridge: Witnesses Weep as a Desperate Dog Is Abandoned

The dog was pleading for aid! They tied him up on the roadway and departed. A string of automobiles passed repeatedly but not a single one stopped. They notice the unfortunate dog but they don’t want to take him home to care, or just liberate him from the shackles.

That forces his life to death! The leash is so tight that the dog can’t get out. He was afraid, sat shivering on the railing and wept.

The dog is just around a month old. The individuals who ruthlessly abandoned him they don’t deserve to live in this world. God will punish them. They are callous and inhuman and they will have to receive vengeance for the anguish they caused this innocent pooch!

A good samaritan found him and chose to brought him home. He showered and scrubbed him of filth and the agony of the past!

He is stable and healthy. After being vaccinated and provided with required vitamins, today Lancy is ready for the next trip of her life.

There will be difficulties, but he will always have excellent people on his side. Lancy always wants to be loved and will always adore everyone who loves him!