Mayhew International’s aid work in Afghanistan started in late 2001 when worldwide media increasingly highlighted the suffering of people and animals under the Taliban regime. Thanks to the personal efforts of one of our Trustees, James Hogan, and family connections of Mayhew vet Dr Abdul Mohammadzai, who is from Kabul, The Mayhew was among the first international organisations to respond to the situation on the ground. Initially, we provided food for the starving animals in Kabul Zoo and assisted with the reconstruction and education programme until a hand-over to international zoological societies was possible.
Kabul Clinic
In 2002, we decided to build a clinic for the Veterinary Science Faculty of Kabul University. Veterinary facilities were virtually non-existent after decades of war and much veterinary knowledge had also been lost. A clinic would provide students with a practical training facility and also essential veterinary care for the sick and injured animals of the general population.
Working in collaboration with The Dutch Committee, another international NGO providing veterinary services in Afghanistan, the clinic was finally opened in 2005. >>Please click here to read more >>
Kabul Animal Shelter
In 2004 an American journalist started a small animal shelter in Kabul to help the stray dogs and cats that are visible everywhere in the Afghan capital. The shelter is staffed and operated entirely by Afghans and is mainly an adoption centre, working to promote the concept of dogs and cats as companion animals.
Since it began, the shelter has helped many animals as well as people, in particular military personnel from the US and UK, who have befriended or rescued stray animals while serving in Afghanistan.
For more information on the Kabul Animal Shelter, please email Mayhew International directly at joy@mayhewanimalhome.org.
Nowzad Dogs
In 2006-7 Mayhew International teamed up with a small group of Royal Marines to rescue homeless dogs in Helmand province.
The Royal Marines from 42 Commando arrived in the town of Nowzad in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, in late 2006. As part of the International Security Assistance Force working to bring peace and stability to the country, the Marines were there to keep the peace, assist the local police and protect the town from the Taliban. Soon after they arrived, the Marines found that the local animals needed their protection too.
The story of the Nowzad Dogs tells the tale of the incredible international rescue effort mounted by the Royal Marines in Afghanistan and Mayhew International from the UK. >>Please click here to read more.>>