January 2008 - Animals and politics - the situation in Lebanon

http://www.betalebanon.org/
Dear Friends,

There has been a lot of international news about Lebanon recently and we want to update you on the situation here.

Yesterday there was a large explosion which is being reported as targeting a US embassy vehicle.  Footage of this was aired on all the major news networks – the smoke, destruction and burning vehicle.  There has been a drastic increase in bombings over the last month, and as we have all seen enough of these horrors we do not feel it is appropriate to have to read through a list of all of this here.  Lebanon is still without a President since November and elections have been delayed more than ten times.

This does greatly affect BETA, but we want to take this opportunity to let you know that we are continuing our vital work here.  Currently we are caring for more than 350 dogs and cats in our shelters, as well as providing our ongoing boarding services, spaying and neutering of stray and feral animals, as well as rescuing many animals in need – and we have no plans of possibly stopping.

However, the bombings and insecurity make things very difficult for all aspects of our operations, and specifically our ability to fundraise withing Lebanon. Even for a cause which so many Lebanese people are committed to, we understand that with the instability and concern for the coming months some of our donors are not able to give as much or unfortunatly not at all.

 BETA's dog rescue

Fundraising events are also less successful or need to be postponed or canceled completely.  Some of our most dedicated supporters are in Lebanon and much of what we have achieved is through their help, but in times like this we need to reach out to the international community.

Joanne adopted You have stood by us before, and we are asking you to once again help us through these times.  We have started on a new website, and though it has a long way to go, the donation system has been greatly improved and is the best way for you to continue supporting BETA.  Please go to www.betalebanon.org/sponsor.asp to make recurring donations, or www.betalebanon.org/donate.asp to make one time donations.  Your contribution now makes a world of difference to the animals here.

Once again, we want to assure you that BETA is still carrying on with its day to day activities and has never stopped.  We made it through the last war and with your continued support we will make it through this period also.

From all of us at BETA - Thank you for all you do for the animals.

BETA – Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Contact: beta.team@hotmail.com