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Big-hearted animal lovers who have been rescuing injured cats and dogs off the streets of Bahrain are appealing for assistance to home them, as well as to help them fix up a new safe haven after they were evicted from their former Hamala base.
Supporters of Bahrain Rescues, a non-profit organisation with 15 volunteers, use their own resources and donations to buy food and litter, to pick up, treat and rehome animals that have been run over, injured, or abandoned.
In the past three years, the group has helped rehome around 100 animals – everything from Rottweilers to hamsters.
They were forced to find new premises this month after noise complaints from neighbours. “We were based in an old stable in Hamala,” said Bahrain Rescues representative Mojda Banahi, 29, who works in the financial sector. “However, our neighbours, many of them farmers, complained about our dogs barking despite having animals of their own.
“We were given two weeks’ notice to leave. Although we had the right to stay as the law states there should be three months’ notice of eviction, we were concerned of how staying might compromise our animals’ safety and decided to leave immediately.
“We are currently looking at a lot in the Northern Governorate that would fit our requirements in terms of space. However, that does not mean our animals don’t need to find loving homes urgently as there are just too many of them, and not enough of us, to give all of them the attention they deserve.”
For the time being, the rescued animals are staying in makeshift cages and crates until the permanent home is ready.
“We are setting up a space in the back of our old shelter to keep the animals there until the construction work on our new space has been completed,” she added. “We need more time to make the new place livable for the animals and it will be a very tough transition. We are planning to move them in by Saturday.”
The Bahrain Rescues volunteers spent last weekend rallying support and donations at the Bahrain Pop-up Market and Bazaar staged at the RUW Corner in Riffa.
Mojda, who lives in Bani Jamra, said: “The market was fantastic. It was a great way for us to meet people who can lend us support.”
The event raised around BD250 and more money will be needed. “Right now, we could use all the funding we can get as we are building a quarantine section and need to air condition our space,” explained Mojda.
“Once we have our operation set up, we can breathe easy and organise fundraising events. As of now, we are on overdrive.
“A common misconception is Bahrain Rescues saves strays but our sole purpose is actually to rescue injured, abandoned or ill animals which would otherwise die without any assistance.
“We can’t stress enough the importance of neutering and spaying as well. The BSPCA provides free neutering and spaying slots for stray cats and dogs and it is extremely important and the easiest way to save a life.”
Mojda urges readers to open their hearts to help fine homes for the animals under the group’s care.
“Each of our rescues has their own unique personality and survival story, the gratitude can be felt the moment you come to contact with them; they want to live and want to love,” she added. “If you can’t donate, volunteer and if you can’t volunteer, spread the message and help a dog or cat find a forever home.”
For more details, follow @bahrain_rescues on Instagram and on Facebook.
