June Summary
- Bethlehem Animal Shelter West Bank
- Jun 30
- 8 min read
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Urgent Appeal: We are Overwhelmed By Rescues
The Bethlehem Shelter is facing an urgent crisis due to an influx of animals in need. They're seeking financial support to cover mounting vet bills and forever homes for numerous rescued animals.
At the Al Buraq Clinic:
In just the past few days, 20 animals were admitted:
17 puppies from various litters suffering from parvovirus.
2 puppies with skin problems.
1 puppy with a broken leg requiring immediate surgery.
Additionally, Diana rescued a hedgehog that was kindly taken in and treated by Al Buraq staff. This hedgehog is now recovering in the garden of their worker, Ahmad.
Beyond Capacity:
Both the clinic and Diana's personal home are severely over capacity:
Diana's home is currently housing 20 cats, 2 blind kittens, and 9 dogs.
The local stray dog and cat population is at an all-time high, pushing resources to their limits.
The accumulating debt from vet bills is unsustainable, making external support critical. With local fosters and adoptions significantly reduced since October 2023 due to closed checkpoints, they're now relying even more heavily on international adoptions to free up much-needed space in the shelter.
How You Can Help:
Donate via https://heylink.me/bethlehem/ - Financial contributions are desperately needed to cover veterinary expenses for these animals.
Adopt: Provide a loving forever home for a puppy, cat, or dog. This includes international adoptions, which are crucial for creating space.
Foster: Offer a temporary safe haven for an animal while they await their forever home.
Call +972 50-866-6582 or visit https://www.bethlehemshelter.org/meet-our-dogs
Every bit of support makes a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals.
Thank you
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TRIGGER WARNING
Poisoned for Existing — A Cry for Justice for Our Street Dogs
Yesterday, an innocent dog cried out in agony after being poisoned in Beit Jala . A family heard his screams and called us for help. We sent our worker and a taxi immediately. But by the time help arrived… it was too late.
He died not because no one cared, but because cruelty got to him first.
This is happening again and again. Dogs are being deliberately poisoned because some people don’t want them on the streets. It’s silent, fast, and devastating.
This has to stop.
We at Animal and Environment Association – Bethlehem Shelter rescue, treat, and shelter strays every day. But we need help.
Donate to help us fight this cruelty: https://heylink.me/aea
See the video and photos on Instagram: @aea_bethlehemshelter
This is a wake-up call. Let his death spark change.
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This footage depicts three Palestinian police officers in Hebron engaged in the shooting of a stray dog. According to nearby residents, the dog was known to be friendly and had been looked after by the community since its puppyhood. He was simply sitting on the side of the road and was not acting aggressively or attacking anyone when he was shot.
How people could take an innocent life so brutally yet casually boggles the mind. RIP.
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👇👇Arabic Below
Remember these three tiny puppies dumped in a deserted area without their mother left hungry and thirsty .🥵🥵 They were under Diana's care at her house for few days and luckily we found them a loving foster in Jerusalem. In few days they will move to the north with a foster who will take care of them until they grew up and adopted.
❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
We thank everyone who helped us in this rescue.
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CONTENT WARNING: graphic injury Remember this sweet puppy we shared a few days ago (link to previous post: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/153CNh6YX3/) who was tragically hit by a car and left on the street?
We rushed her to the vet, and the news is devastating. Both of her legs are broken, with one bone visibly protruding.
We've reached out to countless associations for sponsorship. Unfortunately, they are all at capacity and unable to help. This precious girl desperately needs surgery to save her legs and give her a chance at a pain-free life.
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A Sad End for a Street Cat (RIP): Amira Shomali found this incredibly sick cat on a main street. So many people passed by, but no one stopped to help her until Amira stepped in.
She rushed the cat to Al Buraq clinic where she received treatment for severe dehydration and a rotten mouth. Sadly, despite Amira's kindness, the cat passed away two days later.
This is a stark reminder of the harsh realities many animals face here – sickness, starvation, abuse, and poisoning. Thank you, Amira and to the staff at Al-Buraq Advanced Veterinary Centre مركز البُراق للخدمات البيطرية المتقدمة for helping to rescue this little one.
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(CONTENT WARNING: animal neglect) This male dog in Al Khader (near Bethlehem) is finally safe! Our friend, Shadia Issa, observed him for three weeks. She told Diana, and when he hid in a neighbor's backyard, they quickly closed the doors to contain him. Our worker immediately picked him up and took him to Vet Ahmad Abu Dayyeh for necessary treatment. He's now on his way to an association for ongoing care.
Thank you to Shadia Issa, Dr. Abu Dayyeh, Sulaiman and the Association for rescuing this suffering little guy.
Update: Within days, puppy's health bounced back thanks to treatment from Dr. Abu Dayeeh. X-rays revealed fractures in both of his legs and pelvis. Shortly afterwards, he received sponsorship from an Association for necessary surgery. We’re so glad to see him doing well after such a rough start in his young life.
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Urgent Foster Needed! Three Tiny Kittens Rescued from Dangerous Field
Last night, Diana's neighbor witnessed a horrific act: someone cruelly threw three tiny kittens, only about 1.5 months old, into a dangerous field next to Diana's house. This field is full of garbage, high thorns, and poses serious threats from reptiles and stray dogs. These poor kittens couldn't possibly find food or water on their own.
Thankfully, they're now safe and sound in Diana's bathroom in her house , where they've been sleeping since last night. Diana cleaned their eyes and ears, and they devoured food and water—they were absolutely starving.
We desperately need a foster home for these little ones. They are far too small and vulnerable to be in the main shelter environment. Can you open your heart and home to these three innocent lives? Please call +972 595221771 or share this post to help us find them a safe place!
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(*CONTENT WARNING*: graphic imagery)
A tough start for a two-month-old kitten: severe eye infection and damage from simply living the life of a stray. She was one of many stray cats who’d gather daily to be fed by a kindly friend of the shelter. When Diana saw this kitten she immediately had her rushed to Al Buraq where both eyes had to be removed.
While heartbreaking, there's good news! This brave kitten is now at Diana's and, happily, has been adopted and goes to her forever home tomorrow! So grateful for the staff at @alburaq and the loving family giving this little one a second chance.
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This tiny black kitten was dumped in the yard after midnight, and its eyes were tragically removed. 😞 It's a harsh reminder of the vulnerable lives out there.
Thankfully, this little fighter, just like the white cat shared previously (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/196EbKhv8i/), received loving care from Diana. And the best news? Both have found their forever home with an incredible adopter who already cares for another blind cat! ❤️ Let's keep spreading awareness and supporting animal welfare!
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URGENT FOSTER/ADOPT NEEDED! While driving, Diana found this tiny, sweet kitten abandoned near a busy road. She immediately took her to the vet for a check-up, deworming, and vaccinations. This playful little one is super friendly and desperately needs a safe home as local shelters are overflowing. Can you open your heart and home? Please call +972 50-866-6582 .
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We're so relieved to share the story of this friendly stray dog, who recently suffered a severe eye injury from an attack by other dogs. It was heartbreaking to hear, especially as young Miriam Bandak had been regularly looking after and feeding her.
Thanks to Miriam and her mother, who alerted us to the situation, our incredible worker Sulaiman was able to assist Miriam in catching her. She received immediate and necessary treatment at Al Buraq and is now safely recovering at our shelter. She'll be sterilized once her heat cycle is complete.
A massive thank you to Miriam, her mother, and Sulaiman for their quick thinking and kindness! This is what community and compassion look hand-in-hand.
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Remember the four sweet puppies Biba rescued who were battling skin problems? (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18duhaDqL7/) We have fantastic news! They are now continuing their essential long-term treatment at Jenin Clinic.
This dedicated care takes time, and we're so grateful to Vet Mohammed Abu Lroub for overseeing their recovery. We'll be closely following their journey and can't wait to share more updates as they get healthier and stronger! Thank you for all your support.
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Last Monday morning, our workers, Sulaiman and Ahmad arrived to find this poor female husky in our trap overnight. She was dehydrated because whoever abandoned her there did not care to leave water for her. Any passer-by could have taken her if they wanted to. We sent her to Al Buraq veterinary clinic straightaway before bringing her to the shelter. Since then she has been very sad and refuses to eat. Sulaiman and Ahmad are trying their best to comfort her.
__________________________________________________________________________________ These 2 kittens were found in places at Diana’s work- each on 2 separate occasions. Each was alone, scared, sick but playful. They were sent to the vet. Sadly, one kitten died from calisi, a lung infection. The other kitten became the 21st feline member of Diana’s household. She is doing much better; playing eating well, and now has fat belly
We are looking for a good home to take care of her.
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Last week, a cat suffered a terrible fall from a cliff onto steel bars. Thanks to the quick actions of Sulaiman (sent by Diana) and Christine's husband, she was rescued and immediately taken to Al Buraq Clinic.
She underwent surgery for a deep wound and is now recovering well. We're so relieved and hopeful for her complete healing!
Thank you to Sulaiman, Christine, her husband, for their swift action and compassion in getting kitty to safety; and Al Buraq Clinic for providing treatment.
__________________________________________________________________________________We received a tip about one puppy seen sitting on a bag of sand at the corner of a crowded and dangerous street. But Diana and Sulaiman found seven puppies in a very dirty corner full of dirt and dead bodies of cats.
All were rushed to the vet for fleas, and devastatingly, parvo quickly appeared. We've already lost two, and the remaining puppies are now hospitalized and fighting for their lives.
Please keep them in your thoughts as they continue their brave fight.
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Phew! What a big day it was. We brought in Fadi
specifically to give all our wonderful dogs a much-needed bath. They're now sparkling clean and smelling fresh! And huge appreciation to our amazing workers, Sulaiman and Ahmad. Great teamwork!
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Remember a year ago when we sent Edwina, Denali and Goofy to the USA? (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1F3tSFQiow/) Denali and Edwina stayed with Renee and Goofy was adopted by her neighbors. It warms our hearts to see our dogs continue to thrive in their forever homes.
Did you know that we can do international adoptions? Follow the links to see our many dogs & cats desperate for homes:
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Remember Champion? (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BY2cH5bGK/) He traveled to Germany with Lola and Brutus last month, in care of a local Association. Since then Champion has found his forever home where he has an identical new fur-sibling and so much grassy space to run around in! Thank you to the Association and Champion’s forever family for giving him his fairytale ending.
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