Romanian veterinarians Anca Tomescu and Gabriel Ignat from the Animal Society association are participating in a rescue mission in Beirut initiated by Four Paws. They are helping with the rescue and care of animals injured in the August 4 explosion in Lebanon that, according to BBC, killed more than 220 people and left up to 300,000 homeless.

“The human tragedy is doubled by an animal tragedy. Thousands of animals were injured or lost in the explosions. The Four Paws team, led by Dr. Amir Khalil, together with the Animals Lebanon team and local volunteers, provide medical care to injured animals and release those trapped under the ruins,” representatives of Animal Society said, according to Mediafax.

The rescuers feed the stray animals in the area and vaccinate them against rabies. They are also trying to find the families of lost dogs and cats or give them up for adoption. The animals are treated, neutered, and vaccinated.

“From the moment we found out about the explosions in Beirut, we knew that an international effort would be needed to help the people and animals affected by these blasts. We joined the Four Paws team as soon as we found out about the rescue mission, and we want to reduce the animals’ suffering both through emergency interventions, but also through sterilization and vaccination, for a long-term impact,” said Anca Tomescu, Animal Society president.

The rescue mission started on August 17.

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