Due to low adoption rates in the country, BETA is sending Lebanese dogs abroad

Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA) has launched a new initiative: The Lebanese Expat Pet Program.  The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the fact that, as a result of low adoption rates in Lebanon, the organization has had to resort to sending Lebanese dogs abroad, for adoption. 

“Our shelters are full. Many of the dogs we have rescued have permanent injuries due to abuse and many are fully-grown dogs not puppies. These two factors make them less likely to be adopted in Lebanon. In addition, we have a no kill policy. It is not an option to euthanize our animals if we cannot find them homes. As a result, we have had to look abroad for adoptive families due to very low adoption rates in Lebanon,” said Helena Husseini, Vice President of BETA. 

The campaign website, www.xpatpets.com, allows users to browse through profiles of the dogs BETA has rescued, many of which have suffered horrifying stories of abuse. Visitors to the site can then choose to keep the dog in Lebanon or give it an opportunity abroad.  For those who want to help but cannot house a dog, the website also enables viewers to donate to BETA’s programs. 

“We hope this campaign will encourage Lebanese people to adopt locally by raising awareness, or if not, that we will find good families abroad,” said Husseini.