Animal rescue is a common business in the U.S., but the same cannot be said in Afghanistan. The Kabul Small Animal Rescue, run by American Charlotte Maxwell-Jones, is one of the only animal welfare groups in the country. In early June, Maxwell-Jones and her team will be loading hundreds of dogs and cats onto a charter rescue flight from Kabul, Afghanistan, to Washington, D.C.
Maxwell-Jones, who has lived in Afghanistan for more than a decade, started the rescue in 2018 when she couldn’t find quality care for her own animals. What began as a small operation has now grown to house about 450 animals, including over 300 dogs, 110 cats, and a variety of other animals such as sheep, goats, cows, peacocks, roosters, bunnies, tortoises, and budgies.
The upcoming rescue flight to the U.S. is a monumental task that requires extensive planning and fundraising. Maxwell-Jones highlighted the challenges she faces, including finding placements for 300 animals, obtaining permits from multiple governments, and raising close to $800,000 in a challenging fundraising environment.
Among the animals scheduled to be on the flight are nine contract working dogs that served alongside NATO and U.S. troops before the American withdrawal in 2021. These dogs, some of which were released on the tarmac, are in need of care and rehabilitation. After arriving in the U.S., most of the animals will be picked up by rescue organizations from all over North America, while the working dogs will go to Mission K9 Rescue in Texas for further rehabilitation.
Kristen Maurer, from Mission K9 Rescue, explained the process of rehabilitating former working dogs, which can take weeks or even months. Maurer emphasized the importance of giving these dogs a happy retirement after a lifetime of service. Despite the challenges and the need to raise additional funds, Maxwell-Jones remains determined to ensure the success of the rescue mission.
The deadline for fundraising is fast approaching, but Maxwell-Jones is committed to the cause, stating that failure is not an option. The efforts of Maxwell-Jones and her team at Kabul Small Animal Rescue highlight the importance of animal welfare in challenging environments and the dedication required to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.