How to Help Lebanon’s Pets: Houssein Hamze’s Story
Discover ways to support Houssein Hamze and Lebanon's pets amid crisis, from donations to fostering war-torn animals.
In the midst of Lebanon’s escalating conflict, countless families have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their beloved pets to fend for themselves. Amid this heartbreak stands Houssein Hamze, a dedicated animal lover who has taken it upon himself to feed and care for these abandoned cats and dogs. His selfless acts of kindness have provided vital support to hundreds of animals, but tragedy struck when his own home was bombed, destroying his resources and leaving him homeless. This article explores Hamze’s inspiring story, the broader pet crisis in Lebanon driven by economic collapse and war, and concrete ways you can help from anywhere in the world.
The Crisis Facing Pets in Lebanon
Lebanon has been grappling with a perfect storm of challenges: a devastating economic crisis since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and ongoing conflicts including recent escalations. These events have led to widespread poverty, with tens of thousands losing jobs and incomes plummeting, making pet ownership an unaffordable luxury for many. Pets, once cherished family members, are now abandoned in droves on streets, at shelters, or even euthanized by desperate owners unable to take them abroad.
Shelters like BETA, run by Helena Hesayne outside Beirut, report a surge in intakes. What was once 2-3 dogs per week has become nonstop arrivals, including purebreds previously rare in surrenders. ‘People are dumping anything,’ Hesayne notes, as emigrants leave pets behind like collateral in the brain drain. Cats face similar fates, with organizations like Animals Lebanon overwhelmed in Beirut’s Hamra district, relying on international donors as local fundraising halts amid crisis.
Aging women pet owners are particularly vulnerable, facing financial barriers to food, vet care, and more, exacerbated by Lebanon’s corrupt political system lacking governmental support. The human-animal bond remains strong in Lebanese culture, where pets are family, but crises have turned joy into struggle.
- Economic Fallout: Hyperinflation makes pet food and vet bills impossible for many households.
- Emigration Wave: Owners fleeing without pets, comparing it to abandoning children, per shelter operators.
- Conflict Impact: Recent bombings displace more animals, as seen in Hamze’s case.
- Shelter Overload: No euthanasia policies strain limited spaces, pushing NGOs to seek global aid.
Who is Houssein Hamze?
Houssein Hamze emerged as a beacon of hope during Lebanon’s latest conflict flare-ups. As families evacuated, he began daily rounds to feed street cats and dogs left without food or water. Operating from his home, he stockpiled supplies to sustain these animals, posting updates on social media to raise awareness and funds. His efforts touched thousands, with videos showing him distributing kibble to meowing cats atop rubble-strewn buildings and wary dogs emerging from hiding.
But heroism came at a cost. An airstrike or bombing—details vary but confirm destruction—razed his residence, wiping out his food stocks, donations, and personal belongings. Now displaced, Hamze continues his mission from temporary setups, embodying resilience. ‘These animals have no one else,’ he reportedly said, highlighting the desperation of war-torn pets scavenging in dangerous zones.
His story resonates globally, drawing parallels to other unsung heroes in crisis zones who prioritize animal welfare amid human suffering. Hamze’s work underscores how pets suffer silently in conflicts, often overlooked in humanitarian aid.
The Daily Reality for Abandoned Pets
Imagine a street cat in Beirut, once pampered indoors, now dodging traffic and scavenging trash. Or a dog like Stoli, a mixed breed from Mar Mikhael, dumped amid nightlife ruins. These are not isolated cases; Lebanon’s streets teem with such survivors.
| Challenge | Impact on Pets | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Starvation | Weight loss, weakness | Cats waiting at empty homes for owners |
| Disease | No vet access, outbreaks | Shelters treating mange, parvovirus surges |
| Violence | Injury from bombs, shooting | Dogs hit by owners before leaving |
| Overpopulation | Uncontrolled breeding | TNR programs strained |
Strays face heightened risks in unstable areas, with no microchips or collars aiding reunions. Shelters prioritize no-kill policies, but capacity limits mean some animals remain exposed.
Ways You Can Help Right Now
Supporting Lebanon’s pets doesn’t require being on the ground. Here are actionable steps mirroring global advocacy models.
1. Donate to Verified Shelters and Heroes
Direct funds save lives. Key organizations:
- BETA: Expanding facilities; accepts international PayPal for food/vet bills.
- Animals Lebanon: Cat shelter in Hamra; online donations critical post-COVID economic drop.
- Houssein Hamze’s Fund: Check verified social media/GoFundMe for rebuild and supply restocks.
- Pets of Lebanon: Supplies local aid amid love-hate pet culture.
Prioritize monthly pledges; even £5 covers a meal for several animals.
2. Foster or Adopt from Lebanon
European/North American shelters emptied during COVID lockdowns—perfect for Lebanese pets. Airlines sometimes waive fees for rescues. Contact NGOs for transport logistics; fostering seniors matches aging owners’ plights.
3. Spread Awareness and Advocate
Share Hamze’s story on social media with #HelpLebanonPets. Petition governments for pet-inclusive evacuations. Support Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to curb strays humanely.
4. Send Supplies
Ship non-perishables like kibble, litter via partnered couriers. Virtual item wishlists on Amazon streamline this.
5. Volunteer Locally for Global Impact
Join pet drives or fundraisers in your community earmarked for Lebanon.
Success Stories and Hope Amid Crisis
Despite odds, triumphs abound. BETA rehomes dogs to loving families abroad. Aging women pair with sponsors via co-designed programs leveraging cultural values. Hamze’s feeds reunite some pets with owners. International adoptions during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month show pathways forward.
Lebanon’s pet community fosters a ‘love-hate’ dynamic—deep bonds clashing with realities—but resilience prevails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are so many pets abandoned in Lebanon?
A: Economic crisis, emigration, COVID, and conflicts make care unaffordable; owners flee without them.
Q: Is Houssein Hamze still helping pets?
A: Yes, despite losing his home, he continues feeding strays from temporary bases.
Q: How can I donate safely?
A: Use official shelter sites/PayPal; verify via social media. Avoid unvetted GoFundMes.
Q: Can I adopt a Lebanese pet?
A: Yes, NGOs facilitate international adoptions; inquire about health/travel certs.
Q: What about cats vs. dogs?
A: Both suffer; cats often street-feral, dogs more shelter-bound, but TNR helps both.
Q: Are there government programs?
A: Minimal due to corruption; NGOs fill gaps.
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References
- Lebanon’s pets abandoned in droves as economic crisis bites — The National. 2023-01-15. https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/lebanon/lebanon-s-pets-abandoned-in-droves-as-economic-crisis-bites-1.1226797
- Aging Women in Lebanon: Struggles of Pet Owners in a Collapsing Economy — Lynn Alkhouri, OCAD University. 2022. https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/3943/1/Alkhouri_Lynn_2022_INCD_MRP.pdf
- Pets in Lebanon, Love Hate Relationship — Pets of Lebanon. 2023. https://petsoflebanon.com/blogs/love-your-pet-back/pets-in-lebanon-love-hate-relationship
- The Heroic Man Looking After Lebanon’s War-Torn Pets Was Bombed — Kinship. 2024. https://www.kinship.com/uk/pet-lifestyle/how-to-help-lebanon-pets-houssein-hamze
- Pet Advocacy — Kinship. 2024. https://www.kinship.com/pet-lifestyle/animal-advocacy
- As Poverty Bites, Lebanese Give Up Their Pets — Asharq Al-Awsat. 2020. https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2972196/poverty-bites-lebanese-give-their-pets
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