WAR Kabul Rescue Animal Evacuations updates - also other privately funded evacuations being stopped by the UK and US Governments

Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
Pen, is a good man, and man enough to apologize too, the UK government better stop this smear campaign, it isn't working and they know it.
news.sky.com

Afghanistan: Pen Farthing apologises for 'incredibly embarrassing language' used in voicemail to government aide during animal rescue attempt

Paul "Pen" Farthing was unable to rescue charity staff and their dependents, but came back with around 170 cats and dogs.
news.sky.com news.sky.com
Afghanistan: Pen Farthing apologises for 'incredibly embarrassing language' used in voicemail to government aide during animal rescue attempt
Paul "Pen" Farthing was unable to rescue charity staff and their dependents, but came back with around 170 cats and dogs.
Monday 30 August 2021 10:53, UK

Paul 'Pen' Farthing. Pic: Nowzad

Image:Paul 'Pen' Farthing is pictured with one if his rescue dogs. Pic: Nowzad
Why you can trust Sky News
The former Royal Marine who founded an animal shelter in Afghanistan has apologised for the "incredibly embarrassing" language he used in a voicemail to a government aide as he tried to leave the country.
Paul "Pen" Farthing arrived at London Heathrow on a privately-funded charter flight from Kabul at around 7.30am on Sunday - with about 170 dogs and cats on board.

His Operation Ark campaign to evacuate the rescue animals and staff at his charity Nowzad has been widely covered in the media in the days since the Taliban took back control of Afghanistan.
Defence secretary: British evacuation efforts 'diverted' by animal rescuer
Defence secretary: British evacuation efforts 'diverted' by animal rescuer

Members of the government have criticised the animal rescuer for "diverting" efforts to evacuate all British nationals and eligible Afghans before the US-imposed deadline.

Following a number of outbursts on social media, Mr Farthing was recorded shouting at Peter Quentin, who works as a special adviser to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, in a voice message.

The recording, which was obtained by The Times, accuses the minister and his aide of "blocking" his evacuation flight.
On Monday, Mr Farthing apologised for his "colourful language".
More on Afghanistan
Paul 'Pen' Farthing. Pic: Nowzad

Image:Mr Farthing touched down at Heathrow on Sunday. Pic: Nowzad
He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "I'm incredibly embarrassed about my language, I do apologise to everybody who's listened to that.

"I was at the lowest point I could possibly be. I understand how the world works but emotions got the better of me, so for all those who had to listen to that I do apologise for my language.

"I should not have said it like that, but the sentiment, yes, I was just incredibly upset, angry, frustrated, it was the lowest point. I had no other option, I didn't know what else to do."

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Mr Farthing announced his arrival back in the UK on Sunday morning, adding that he was unable to bring back the 24 charity workers and dependents he had wanted to.

Dominic Dyer, a friend and animal welfare campaigner, said the former British soldier was forced to travel back from Kabul alone after being told it was not possible to find people to fill the plane's seats.

He said the shelter staff were "still in their homes" and that efforts would be made to try to get them out of Afghanistan.
Mr Farthing said he had "mixed emotions" as he touched back down in the UK.
Pen Farthing. Pic: Nowzad

Image:He has returned to the UK with around 170 cats and dogs. Pic: Nowzad
"Arrived Heathrow with partial success of #OpArk," he tweeted.

"Mixed emotions and true deep feeling of sadness for Afghan today."

Mr Farthing said his team made it inside the airport perimeter on Friday after the suicide bomb attack that killed more than 90 people in Kabul on Thursday.

But he said he was turned away after US President Joe Biden had changed paperwork rules two hours earlier.

Mr Dyer said an appeal was made to the UK government "to see if we could fill seats with refugees within the airport", but the response was that "there was no one they could find".

The former Royal Marine, originally from Dovercourt in Essex, set up the Nowzad animal shelter in Kabul after serving in Afghanistan in the mid-2000s.
 
Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Melodi said:
Pen, is a good man, and man enough to apologize too, the UK government better stop this smear campaign, it isn't working and they know it.
news.sky.com

Afghanistan: Pen Farthing apologises for 'incredibly embarrassing language' used in voicemail to government aide during animal rescue attempt

Paul "Pen" Farthing was unable to rescue charity staff and their dependents, but came back with around 170 cats and dogs.
news.sky.com news.sky.com
Afghanistan: Pen Farthing apologises for 'incredibly embarrassing language' used in voicemail to government aide during animal rescue attempt
Paul "Pen" Farthing was unable to rescue charity staff and their dependents, but came back with around 170 cats and dogs.
Monday 30 August 2021 10:53, UK

Paul 'Pen' Farthing. Pic: Nowzad

Image:Paul 'Pen' Farthing is pictured with one if his rescue dogs. Pic: Nowzad
Why you can trust Sky News
The former Royal Marine who founded an animal shelter in Afghanistan has apologised for the "incredibly embarrassing" language he used in a voicemail to a government aide as he tried to leave the country.
Paul "Pen" Farthing arrived at London Heathrow on a privately-funded charter flight from Kabul at around 7.30am on Sunday - with about 170 dogs and cats on board.

His Operation Ark campaign to evacuate the rescue animals and staff at his charity Nowzad has been widely covered in the media in the days since the Taliban took back control of Afghanistan.
Defence secretary: British evacuation efforts 'diverted' by animal rescuer'diverted' by animal rescuer
Defence secretary: British evacuation efforts 'diverted' by animal rescuer
Members of the government have criticised the animal rescuer for "diverting" efforts to evacuate all British nationals and eligible Afghans before the US-imposed deadline.

Following a number of outbursts on social media, Mr Farthing was recorded shouting at Peter Quentin, who works as a special adviser to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, in a voice message.

The recording, which was obtained by The Times, accuses the minister and his aide of "blocking" his evacuation flight.
On Monday, Mr Farthing apologised for his "colourful language".
More on Afghanistan
Paul 'Pen' Farthing. Pic: Nowzad

Image:Mr Farthing touched down at Heathrow on Sunday. Pic: Nowzad
He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "I'm incredibly embarrassed about my language, I do apologise to everybody who's listened to that.

"I was at the lowest point I could possibly be. I understand how the world works but emotions got the better of me, so for all those who had to listen to that I do apologise for my language.

"I should not have said it like that, but the sentiment, yes, I was just incredibly upset, angry, frustrated, it was the lowest point. I had no other option, I didn't know what else to do."

Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Farthing announced his arrival back in the UK on Sunday morning, adding that he was unable to bring back the 24 charity workers and dependents he had wanted to.

Dominic Dyer, a friend and animal welfare campaigner, said the former British soldier was forced to travel back from Kabul alone after being told it was not possible to find people to fill the plane's seats.

He said the shelter staff were "still in their homes" and that efforts would be made to try to get them out of Afghanistan.
Mr Farthing said he had "mixed emotions" as he touched back down in the UK.
Pen Farthing. Pic: Nowzad

Image:He has returned to the UK with around 170 cats and dogs. Pic: Nowzad
"Arrived Heathrow with partial success of #OpArk," he tweeted.

"Mixed emotions and true deep feeling of sadness for Afghan today."

Mr Farthing said his team made it inside the airport perimeter on Friday after thesuicide bomb attack that killed more than 90 people in Kabul on Thursday.

But he said he was turned away after US President Joe Biden had changed paperwork rules two hours earlier.

Mr Dyer said an appeal was made to the UK government "to see if we could fill seats with refugees within the airport", but the response was that "there was no one they could find".

The former Royal Marine, originally from Dovercourt in Essex, set up the Nowzad animal shelter in Kabul after serving in Afghanistan in the mid-2000s.
Click to expand...

Apologize? Exactly the gracious move of a Knight. Yeah, I signed the petition. I really needed a Hero and I found mine in Pen Farthing!
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
Seeker22 said:
View attachment 286456
Click to expand...
So the US Military is forcing a US citizen in danger off the base! Way to go, again I don't blame the soldiers doing their job but I do totally blame the folks in charge of this cluster f....k.

I would even understand if they took the dogs away and told her to "get on the plane" but to push HER out is beyond the pale.

Two thousand years from now, people will talk about this "retrograde" the way they talk about Mark Anthony sailing away and leaving his navy to die during their own "retrograde."

"Retrograde" - how to make a botched surrender look like an astrology collum.
 
S

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
Melodi said:
So the US Military is forcing a US citizen in danger off the base! Way to go, again I don't blame the soldiers doing their job but I do totally blame the folks in charge of this cluster f....k.

I would even understand if they took the dogs away and told her to "get on the plane" but to push HER out is beyond the pale.

Two thousand years from now, people will talk about this "retrograde" the way they talk about Mark Anthony sailing away and leaving his navy to die during their own "retrograde."

"Retrograde" - how to make a botched surrender look like an astrology collum.
Click to expand...
I'm glad I'm not the only one who is galled beyond belief at the idiotic attempt to avoid the use of "retreat" by using a word that isn't remotely appropriate. Some lowly intern at State was taxed to "find a better description ", and being a typically (poorly) educated American, they grabbed a thesaurus and selected the word they were least familiar with, because "it sounds important".

God help this nation!

Summerthyme
 
Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
summerthyme said:
I'm glad I'm not the only one who is galled beyond belief at the idiotic attempt to avoid the use of "retreat" by using a word that isn't remotely appropriate. Some lowly intern at State was taxed to "find a better description ", and being a typically (poorly) educated American, they grabbed a thesaurus and selected the word they were least familiar with, because "it sounds important".

God help this nation!

Summerthyme
Click to expand...

This nation is beyond the pale.

I will just put this here so in future, people can read the lying words for themselves:

Joint Statement on Afghanistan Evacuation Travel Assurances


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson
August 29, 2021

The text of the following statement was released initially by the Governments of the United States of America, Albania, Australia, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Canada, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Grece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Korea, Republic of Kosovo, Romania, Rwanda, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland , The Gambia, The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Union of the Comoros, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Yemen, and Zambia with regard to Afghanistan evacuation travel assurances.

Begin Text:
We are all committed to ensuring that our citizens, nationals and residents, employees, Afghans who have worked with us and those who are at risk can continue to travel freely to destinations outside Afghanistan. We have received assurances from the Taliban that all foreign nationals and any Afghan citizen with travel authorization from our countries will be allowed to proceed in a safe and orderly manner to points of departure and travel outside the country. We will continue issuing travel documentation to designated Afghans, and we have the clear expectation of and commitment from the Taliban that they can travel to our respective countries. We note the public statements of the Taliban confirming this understanding.
End text.
***This statement was initially released on August 29, 2021 and may be updated online at https://www.state.gov/press-releases/

Joint Statement on Afghanistan Evacuation Travel Assurances - United States Department of State
 
Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Puppy Rescue MissionltSponsoo4iredh ·
Puppy Rescue Mission
Update note: Veteran Sheepdogs of America is still actively trying to fly the 50 working dogs out. They were not released per the reports we are receiving.

The past week has been incredibly intense and incredibly difficult.our support, Operation Hercules, and patience as our team has navigated obstacle after obstacle- challenge after challenge has been immense. You’ve seen a lot of things change, and we promise you that there were literally THOUSANDS of other changes we never talked about. When we say that things changed every time the wind blew, we mean it. You all answered the call every single time we put it out, helped us move mountains, get the ears of powerful people that could help us when the night was dark. You all have called us heroes on this platform, but as we all say “the magic is caring,” and you all cared so much and so deeply. The real heroes here are you.

We could not evacuate the rescue dogs. The Department of Defense made a policy decision and we were not the only organization this effected.

I assure you our inability to get these dogs out was not for lack of trying. Over the course of the week there were MANY charter flights booked and every single one fell apart for any reason you can think of. It was infuriating.. Even our last Hail Mary, Veteran Sheepdogs of America, have run into SUBSTANTIAL issues and problems. At the end, the military forcibly released all the rescue dogs as the last US plane was departing. To be clear they were not left in their cages to suffer.

Charlotte has chosen to remain in Kabul. She refused to give up one of the rescue puppies in order to get on a flight. She is no longer at the airport and kept with her one of the disabled puppies she tried to rescue as she headed out into the city.

Our staff: they are safe, and for their safety and the operational security of ongoing events- it’s all we can say at the moment. I’m sorry, I know people throw that term around alot, but there will be renewed rescue efforts starting on or about 2 September, and we need every available option at our disposable for these brave men and women.

Our cats: Now that I’ve had a second to breathe, let me give you the ground truth. I know you’ve read a lot. It’s been based on speculation. Our cats never cleared the gate of the airport despite many attempts to do so. We could not let them go and they are safe at Nowzad for now and will look at evacuating them out as things settle.

Throughout the course of the week, the people involved include Puppy Rescue Mission, War Paws, SPCA International, Human Society International H3 Foundation, Veteran Sheepdogs of America and countless individuals who dedicated nights of no sleep, hours on the phone managing hundreds of random things being thrown at them, and ever-changing needs. To the heroes all across NGOs, the US government, the Intel community who helped this cause but who we can’t name for OPSEC reasons, THANK YOU! So many of you helped us in the darkest of times.
See Less
 
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Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
I am posting this entire article this time, it is mostly a full interview with Pen and it is well worth reading!
www.dailymail.co.uk

Pen Farthing tells of the horrors he saw in Kabul

Pen Farthing, 52, who landed in Heathrow with around 150 dogs and cats from his animal shelter, described how he passed the Taliban-controlled barbed wire into Kabul airport.
www.dailymail.co.uk www.dailymail.co.uk
‘I couldn't let my dogs be shot’: Pen Farthing has split opinion over the rescue of his animals from Afghanistan but he reveals the truth about his battles with the MoD, his tears for the staff he's left behind and the horrors he saw in Kabul
  • Pen Farthing passed through Taliban-controlled barbed wire into Kabul airport
  • Sat for more than 24 hours in a hangar at airport waiting for a plane to fly him out
  • Former British marine recalled the anguish and uncertainty of leaving Kabul
By REBECCA HARDY FOR THE DAILY MAIL

PUBLISHED: 22:10, 30 August 2021 | UPDATED: 22:23, 30 August 202


When former British marine Pen Farthing finally passed through the Taliban-controlled barbed wire gateway into Kabul airport with his 150 dogs and cats from his animal rescue charity four days ago, he received a sobering text.

'It was from my mate Dave who ran a security company in Kabul. He got out literally two hours before me, but kept his compound and left his two pet dogs with the staff.

'He texted, 'The bastards just shot Brutus. They went round the compound, saw the dogs, dragged them into the open and shot them'.'

Pen, 52, said he sat for more than 24 hours in a hangar at Kabul airport waiting for the plane which would take him on the first leg of his journey to the UK with the terrible image of the dogs being slaughtered 'playing on a loop all the time in my head'.

He recalls the anguish and uncertainty of leaving Kabul and is visibly pained when he talks about the fate of so many Afghans left behind.
Pen Farthing (pictured with wife Kaisa Markhus), who passed through the Taliban-controlled barbed wire gateway into Kabul airport with his 150 dogs and cats from his animal rescue charity four days ago, recalled the anguish and uncertainty of leaving the Afghan capital


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Pen Farthing (pictured with wife Kaisa Markhus), who passed through the Taliban-controlled barbed wire gateway into Kabul airport with his 150 dogs and cats from his animal rescue charity four days ago, recalled the anguish and uncertainty of leaving the Afghan capital

'At the airport the British troops are on the inner side of the barbed wire,' he explained yesterday in his first full interview since leaving the UK for Norway to be reunited with his new wife, Kaisa, 30, who fled their home in Kabul two weeks ago.
'You can talk to them but they can't do anything as the Taliban check people at gunpoint.

'The Afghan people were standing there with all their belongings in a line. There was one guy whose paperwork they didn't like so they're like, 'Come on, out', with an AK rifle in his back. I was just watching this guy trying to wave at his wife and kids as he was being dragged off at gunpoint...'

The despair is writ large across his face and his eyes are dulled by all he has seen.


'Where they took him I do not know,' he continues. 'I think I've cried more in the last five or six days than I have since I was four years old. I'm just numb with it.

'I think it'll take a long time to ever get out of my head having to say goodbye to the two members of staff who drove the truck for me to get me into the airport along roads just lined with people. There were thousands and thousands of them in makeshift camps waiting for their turn to try to get into the airport – women, children..
.
'And you should have seen the human misery in that hangar – the possessions people had left behind – photographs, hats, children's toys.

'I was sitting amongst all that when someone tweeted about my foul-mouthed rant [to Defence Minister Ben Wallace's special advisor Peter Quentin].'

The furious answer machine message which was leaked to the media at the weekend has dominated news coverage as the astonishing, toxic battle between this extraordinary man and the Ministry of Defence has raged on as, quite literally, Kabul has burnt.

'I don't even remember making it,' says Pen. 'I totally forgot about it until somebody sent me a tweet that said, 'Pen Farthing's explosive rant…' I thought, 'What the hell are they going on about?'
Mr Farthing flew back to the UK last night with his menagerie of animals rescued by the Nowzad charity


+4
Mr Farthing flew back to the UK last night with his menagerie of animals rescued by the Nowzad charity
The rescued dogs start their quarantine


+4
The rescued dogs start their quarantine



The rescued dogs (left and right) have begun their quarantine at a sanctuary in Britain

'It was a heat-of-the-moment thing. We needed paperwork for our staff and their families to be able to go to the airport.
'Peter Quentin had told me six days before the staff had been approved to leave the country but, for whatever reason, they wouldn't give me the paperwork.

'You can imagine as the window between where we were and when the Americans were pulling out got smaller and smaller I was getting pretty stressed.

'Quentin was the only person I had a phone number for. I guess that's why he got both barrels. As far as the person who decided to release that voicemail is concerned, if that's their priority in life let them crack on.
'I've apologised for the language I used but that's it.

'I'm not worried about what some politician is saying about me. That's not on my radar. What's on my radar is that this ill-thought out withdrawal has destroyed a country overnight and cost countless lives.'

Pen may well be apologetic for his language and loss of self-control but not for the efforts he made to save the staff who, to him, were like a family. As it was, it took six days for the paperwork to be completed.

They immediately crated up the cats and dogs, put wives and children on a bus and headed in a convoy to the airport. It was a mission that few thought he'd pull off in a city that was falling apart as the Taliban roamed the streets with Kalashnikov assault rifles.

But Pen, who left the Royal Marines in 2009, has the commando spirit writ through him –and a marine never gives up. Miraculously, he negotiated passage for two truckloads of crated animals and a busload of Afghans through two Taliban checkpoints to the commander at the South Gate – only to be barred from entering.
Hounds safe and sound
Animal worker cradles one of the dogs after it arrives in Wales

Animal worker cradles one of the dogs after it arrives in Wales

Cradling the tiny ball of fluff in his arms, an animal charity worker gazes tenderly at his new charge.

The animals that have arrived at Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary in Powys, are just some of the near-100 dogs and 70 cats rescued from Kabul by Pen Farthing that have begun quarantine at sanctuaries across the UK.

They will be looked after until they can go to adoptive families.
Lozzas Lurcher Rescue in Hertfordshire said their 'precious cargo' had been 'well looked after' by Mr Farthing.


US President Joe Biden had changed the rules just three hours earlier only allowing those through with passports and visas to control the growing numbers inside the airport.

'We were inside, all of us inside with the right paperwork, but we were three hours too late. Biden had changed the rules.'
He shakes his head. Three bloody hours – if they'd pulled their finger out and got the paperwork to us just a day before my staff would have been out with me.'

I meet Pen with his wife on a gloriously sunny day in the grounds of a quarantine hotel in Oslo where he has to spend three days having been in a red list country. Kaisa has been in Oslo since she left Kabul on a Norwegian mercy flight 12 days ago.
As the spouse of a Norwegian, Pen is allowed to leave the hotel after three days if he tests negative for Covid. He can then finish his ten-day quarantine period with Kaisa in her family's home. He is also allowed visitors but contact is not permitted.

You can see it's taking every ounce of self-control not to give his wife of less than five months a jolly good hug. He came here after helping to offload the animals at Heathrow with staff from the airport's Animal Reception Centre.

Five cats sadly died on the journey and one of the dogs was stabbed when, Pen believes, they drove through Taliban checkpoints to Kabul airport.

Otherwise the animals, albeit frightened, are healthy and will soon be released from quarantine, despite briefings from Whitehall sources that they are riddled with disease and may have to be put down.

Whoever's saying that is talking a crock of crap,' says Pen, once again not mincing his words. 'One of the things we pride ourselves on at Nowzad [his animal shelter in Kabul] is every single animal is fully vaccinated for rabies, parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, they're treated for fleas and ticks and dewormed.
'They're all neutered and spayed and the blood samples are sent to DEFRA to prove they've got the relevant antibodies for rabies.'

'My five dogs are ready for me to collect as soon as I'm out of here.'

Kaisa, listens to Pen talk. She is happy just to be able to sit with the man she feared she would never see again after that failed first attempt to make it to the airport. Pen's happiness is fleeting.

He remains haunted by the staff he has been forced to leave behind, and will not rest until he has brought them to safety. 'It was the staff who made the decision for me to make a second attempt on my own,' he says.

'They said, 'Don't stay. You've got to take the dogs out. The Taliban will just shoot them'.

'I gave them three months wages – that's put away securely – and a couple of hundred dollars extra. I said, 'Put this in your pocket. Do not spend it. I want it back when I see you in England. That's you're emergency money'.Then I went round and hugged every single one of them, including the girls. Everybody was so emotional.'

Pen's eyes are red. He says he slept for little more than four hours in the five days before he put his head on the pillow in his quarantine hotel last night. Kaisa had to call him 13 times to wake him up yesterday morning.
Mr Farthing confirmed he had landed in Heathrow this morning in a message on Twitter

Mr Farthing confirmed he had landed in Heathrow this morning in a message on Twitter

'I had no idea if we were going to get in to the airport. I've never been as nervous in my life going back to that airport.
'People were telling me there was another bomb threat [a suicide bomber had killed at least 170 people when they made their first attempt] and a rocket threat. Pen waited for more than 24 hours for his plane to get diplomatic clearance to leave. As he sat in the hangar, an Army officer approached him to give him a piece of his mind about 'wasting army resources'.
'He had a right go,' says Pen.

'Once he'd finished I said, 'Right let's put some facts on the table here'. I explained to him 'It's a cargo plane. The dogs and cats are going in the hold where you can't put people. I haven't used any military resources. I didn't put any of you guys in danger getting in because the soldiers were stood on the barbed wired where they've always stood.

'They didn't come forward to facilitate my entry into the airport. When I left where they were stood they were dealing with the next group of Afghans coming in via the Taliban'. So this Army guy is like, 'Oh s**t, sorry mate'.'

'In the end it wasn't even the British who loaded the cargo. They'd gone. That's how close to the wire my flight coming in was.' When Pen's plane finally took off on Saturday night, he saw the city lights laid out beneath him. 'There was no joy just guilt,' says Pen.

'Guilt I couldn't get [my staff] out. Guilt that for whatever reason I couldn't persuade the powers-that-be to give me that paperwork a few days earlier. Guilt because I left them behind.

'I had Ewok [his dog] on my lap. When I first came back to Afghanistan, I came because of my love of dogs but, in the years I spent there, it's the people I grew to love.

'Now we've put them back into the dark ages. My young female vets – one was the face of the new Afghanistan – were having to come to work in Burkas by the time I left.

'People can say what they like about this mission, but they weren't there. They weren't on the ground when I lost two young marines in 2006 to make sure the Taliban weren't in power. Now we've just given the whole country back. I'm not giving the people I regard as my family back with it.

'All this s**t about putting animals before people – I have never said my dogs were a priority before people. I have never said I'm a priority.

'Caring about animals doesn't mean not caring about people, I don't understand where all this is coming from. It's the people that haunt me.

'I can still see two of my young female vets sat there crying when we got back to Nowzad after the first failed attempt to the airport. That's what will never stop playing like a loop in my mind until I get them out.'
Share or comment on this article:
Pen Farthing tells of the horrors he saw in Kabul
 
Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Melodi said:
I am posting this entire article this time, it is mostly a full interview with Pen and it is well worth reading!
www.dailymail.co.uk

Pen Farthing tells of the horrors he saw in Kabul

Pen Farthing, 52, who landed in Heathrow with around 150 dogs and cats from his animal shelter, described how he passed the Taliban-controlled barbed wire into Kabul airport.
www.dailymail.co.uk www.dailymail.co.uk
‘I couldn't let my dogs be shot’: Pen Farthing has split opinion over the rescue of his animals from Afghanistan but he reveals the truth about his battles with the MoD, his tears for the staff he's left behind and the horrors he saw in Kabul
  • Pen Farthing passed through Taliban-controlled barbed wire into Kabul airport
  • Sat for more than 24 hours in a hangar at airport waiting for a plane to fly him out
  • Former British marine recalled the anguish and uncertainty of leaving Kabul
By REBECCA HARDY FOR THE DAILY MAIL

PUBLISHED: 22:10, 30 August 2021 | UPDATED: 22:23, 30 August 202


When former British marine Pen Farthing finally passed through the Taliban-controlled barbed wire gateway into Kabul airport with his 150 dogs and cats from his animal rescue charity four days ago, he received a sobering text.

'It was from my mate Dave who ran a security company in Kabul. He got out literally two hours before me, but kept his compound and left his two pet dogs with the staff.

'He texted, 'The bastards just shot Brutus. They went round the compound, saw the dogs, dragged them into the open and shot them'.'

Pen, 52, said he sat for more than 24 hours in a hangar at Kabul airport waiting for the plane which would take him on the first leg of his journey to the UK with the terrible image of the dogs being slaughtered 'playing on a loop all the time in my head'.

He recalls the anguish and uncertainty of leaving Kabul and is visibly pained when he talks about the fate of so many Afghans left behind.
Pen Farthing (pictured with wife Kaisa Markhus), who passed through the Taliban-controlled barbed wire gateway into Kabul airport with his 150 dogs and cats from his animal rescue charity four days ago, recalled the anguish and uncertainty of leaving the Afghan capital


+4
Pen Farthing (pictured with wife Kaisa Markhus), who passed through the Taliban-controlled barbed wire gateway into Kabul airport with his 150 dogs and cats from his animal rescue charity four days ago, recalled the anguish and uncertainty of leaving the Afghan capital

'At the airport the British troops are on the inner side of the barbed wire,' he explained yesterday in his first full interview since leaving the UK for Norway to be reunited with his new wife, Kaisa, 30, who fled their home in Kabul two weeks ago.
'You can talk to them but they can't do anything as the Taliban check people at gunpoint.

'The Afghan people were standing there with all their belongings in a line. There was one guy whose paperwork they didn't like so they're like, 'Come on, out', with an AK rifle in his back. I was just watching this guy trying to wave at his wife and kids as he was being dragged off at gunpoint...'

The despair is writ large across his face and his eyes are dulled by all he has seen.


'Where they took him I do not know,' he continues. 'I think I've cried more in the last five or six days than I have since I was four years old. I'm just numb with it.

'I think it'll take a long time to ever get out of my head having to say goodbye to the two members of staff who drove the truck for me to get me into the airport along roads just lined with people. There were thousands and thousands of them in makeshift camps waiting for their turn to try to get into the airport – women, children..
.
'And you should have seen the human misery in that hangar – the possessions people had left behind – photographs, hats, children's toys.

'I was sitting amongst all that when someone tweeted about my foul-mouthed rant [to Defence Minister Ben Wallace's special advisor Peter Quentin].'

The furious answer machine message which was leaked to the media at the weekend has dominated news coverage as the astonishing, toxic battle between this extraordinary man and the Ministry of Defence has raged on as, quite literally, Kabul has burnt.

'I don't even remember making it,' says Pen. 'I totally forgot about it until somebody sent me a tweet that said, 'Pen Farthing's explosive rant…' I thought, 'What the hell are they going on about?'
Mr Farthing flew back to the UK last night with his menagerie of animals rescued by the Nowzad charity


+4
Mr Farthing flew back to the UK last night with his menagerie of animals rescued by the Nowzad charity
The rescued dogs start their quarantine


+4
The rescued dogs start their quarantine



The rescued dogs (left and right) have begun their quarantine at a sanctuary in Britain

'It was a heat-of-the-moment thing. We needed paperwork for our staff and their families to be able to go to the airport.
'Peter Quentin had told me six days before the staff had been approved to leave the country but, for whatever reason, they wouldn't give me the paperwork.

'You can imagine as the window between where we were and when the Americans were pulling out got smaller and smaller I was getting pretty stressed.

'Quentin was the only person I had a phone number for. I guess that's why he got both barrels. As far as the person who decided to release that voicemail is concerned, if that's their priority in life let them crack on.
'I've apologised for the language I used but that's it.

'I'm not worried about what some politician is saying about me. That's not on my radar. What's on my radar is that this ill-thought out withdrawal has destroyed a country overnight and cost countless lives.'

Pen may well be apologetic for his language and loss of self-control but not for the efforts he made to save the staff who, to him, were like a family. As it was, it took six days for the paperwork to be completed.

They immediately crated up the cats and dogs, put wives and children on a bus and headed in a convoy to the airport. It was a mission that few thought he'd pull off in a city that was falling apart as the Taliban roamed the streets with Kalashnikov assault rifles.

But Pen, who left the Royal Marines in 2009, has the commando spirit writ through him –and a marine never gives up. Miraculously, he negotiated passage for two truckloads of crated animals and a busload of Afghans through two Taliban checkpoints to the commander at the South Gate – only to be barred from entering.
Hounds safe and sound
Animal worker cradles one of the dogs after it arrives in Wales

Animal worker cradles one of the dogs after it arrives in Wales

Cradling the tiny ball of fluff in his arms, an animal charity worker gazes tenderly at his new charge.

The animals that have arrived at Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary in Powys, are just some of the near-100 dogs and 70 cats rescued from Kabul by Pen Farthing that have begun quarantine at sanctuaries across the UK.

They will be looked after until they can go to adoptive families.
Lozzas Lurcher Rescue in Hertfordshire said their 'precious cargo' had been 'well looked after' by Mr Farthing.


US President Joe Biden had changed the rules just three hours earlier only allowing those through with passports and visas to control the growing numbers inside the airport.

'We were inside, all of us inside with the right paperwork, but we were three hours too late. Biden had changed the rules.'
He shakes his head. Three bloody hours – if they'd pulled their finger out and got the paperwork to us just a day before my staff would have been out with me.'

I meet Pen with his wife on a gloriously sunny day in the grounds of a quarantine hotel in Oslo where he has to spend three days having been in a red list country. Kaisa has been in Oslo since she left Kabul on a Norwegian mercy flight 12 days ago.
As the spouse of a Norwegian, Pen is allowed to leave the hotel after three days if he tests negative for Covid. He can then finish his ten-day quarantine period with Kaisa in her family's home. He is also allowed visitors but contact is not permitted.

You can see it's taking every ounce of self-control not to give his wife of less than five months a jolly good hug. He came here after helping to offload the animals at Heathrow with staff from the airport's Animal Reception Centre.

Five cats sadly died on the journey and one of the dogs was stabbed when, Pen believes, they drove through Taliban checkpoints to Kabul airport.

Otherwise the animals, albeit frightened, are healthy and will soon be released from quarantine, despite briefings from Whitehall sources that they are riddled with disease and may have to be put down.

Whoever's saying that is talking a crock of crap,' says Pen, once again not mincing his words. 'One of the things we pride ourselves on at Nowzad [his animal shelter in Kabul] is every single animal is fully vaccinated for rabies, parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, they're treated for fleas and ticks and dewormed.
'They're all neutered and spayed and the blood samples are sent to DEFRA to prove they've got the relevant antibodies for rabies.'

'My five dogs are ready for me to collect as soon as I'm out of here.'

Kaisa, listens to Pen talk. She is happy just to be able to sit with the man she feared she would never see again after that failed first attempt to make it to the airport. Pen's happiness is fleeting.

He remains haunted by the staff he has been forced to leave behind, and will not rest until he has brought them to safety. 'It was the staff who made the decision for me to make a second attempt on my own,' he says.

'They said, 'Don't stay. You've got to take the dogs out. The Taliban will just shoot them'.

'I gave them three months wages – that's put away securely – and a couple of hundred dollars extra. I said, 'Put this in your pocket. Do not spend it. I want it back when I see you in England. That's you're emergency money'.Then I went round and hugged every single one of them, including the girls. Everybody was so emotional.'

Pen's eyes are red. He says he slept for little more than four hours in the five days before he put his head on the pillow in his quarantine hotel last night. Kaisa had to call him 13 times to wake him up yesterday morning.
Mr Farthing confirmed he had landed in Heathrow this morning in a message on Twitter

Mr Farthing confirmed he had landed in Heathrow this morning in a message on Twitter

'I had no idea if we were going to get in to the airport. I've never been as nervous in my life going back to that airport.
'People were telling me there was another bomb threat [a suicide bomber had killed at least 170 people when they made their first attempt] and a rocket threat. Pen waited for more than 24 hours for his plane to get diplomatic clearance to leave. As he sat in the hangar, an Army officer approached him to give him a piece of his mind about 'wasting army resources'.
'He had a right go,' says Pen.

'Once he'd finished I said, 'Right let's put some facts on the table here'. I explained to him 'It's a cargo plane. The dogs and cats are going in the hold where you can't put people. I haven't used any military resources. I didn't put any of you guys in danger getting in because the soldiers were stood on the barbed wired where they've always stood.

'They didn't come forward to facilitate my entry into the airport. When I left where they were stood they were dealing with the next group of Afghans coming in via the Taliban'. So this Army guy is like, 'Oh s**t, sorry mate'.'

'In the end it wasn't even the British who loaded the cargo. They'd gone. That's how close to the wire my flight coming in was.' When Pen's plane finally took off on Saturday night, he saw the city lights laid out beneath him. 'There was no joy just guilt,' says Pen.

'Guilt I couldn't get [my staff] out. Guilt that for whatever reason I couldn't persuade the powers-that-be to give me that paperwork a few days earlier. Guilt because I left them behind.

'I had Ewok [his dog] on my lap. When I first came back to Afghanistan, I came because of my love of dogs but, in the years I spent there, it's the people I grew to love.

'Now we've put them back into the dark ages. My young female vets – one was the face of the new Afghanistan – were having to come to work in Burkas by the time I left.

'People can say what they like about this mission, but they weren't there. They weren't on the ground when I lost two young marines in 2006 to make sure the Taliban weren't in power. Now we've just given the whole country back. I'm not giving the people I regard as my family back with it.

'All this s**t about putting animals before people – I have never said my dogs were a priority before people. I have never said I'm a priority.

'Caring about animals doesn't mean not caring about people, I don't understand where all this is coming from. It's the people that haunt me.

'I can still see two of my young female vets sat there crying when we got back to Nowzad after the first failed attempt to the airport. That's what will never stop playing like a loop in my mind until I get them out.'
Share or comment on this article:
Pen Farthing tells of the horrors he saw in Kabul
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting. Pen will not rest until he has his team safe. He is a determined, good man.

I am still trying for Charlotte, her animals, and her team. There is no 'give up' in this old broad. My people may have GTT, but we started out in Tennessee, just like Charlotte, and I will do all I can to get this lady Home.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
War Paws
td4nSponsohrhed ·

We have an update and whilst it is not the update we were hoping to share please be assured that whilst Charlotte, her team and the animals all remain in Kabul ,THIS IS NOT OVER!

We have worked with Kabul Small Animal Rescue, SPCA International and Puppy Rescue Mission as well as many other amazing people and orgs in this last 2 weeks on #OperationHercules and this statement has been prepared jointly to update you, our amazing supporters on the situation in Kabul.

Please do know that this does not mean we have given up, we remain as determined as ever to get Charlotte, the KSAR Team and the dogs and cats out of there and that will remain our focus.

We have been inundated with messages for the last 2 weeks and whilst we have not been able to respond to every one please be assured we are reading them all and will continue to try and reply as soon as we can. We truly appreciate your ongoing support so please bear with us on this, we are a small team and half of our team is currently in Iraq at the shelter so is also working on the shelter as well as the KSAR mission.

Please head over to the link below to read the full statement
https://www.spcai.org/.../urgent-update-and-action-plan...
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat

Urgent Update and Action Plan from Charlotte & Kabul Small Animal Rescue (KSAR) - SPCA International

We’re writing with an urgent update on the status of Charlotte Maxwell-Jones, founder of Kabul Small Animal Rescue; the animals under the care of Kabul Small Animal Rescue, including 130 dogs; and the ongoing efforts to evacuate them along with the shelter’s staff. This update includes...
www.spcai.org www.spcai.org

URGENT UPDATE AND ACTION PLAN FROM CHARLOTTE & KABUL SMALL ANIMAL RESCUE (KSAR)
We’re writing with an urgent update on the status of Charlotte Maxwell-Jones, founder of Kabul Small Animal Rescue; the animals under the care of Kabul Small Animal Rescue, including 130 dogs; and the ongoing efforts to evacuate them along with the shelter’s staff.

This update includes Charlotte’s latest updates from Kabul. It also includes timely information from the organizations (SPCA International, War Paws, Marley’s Mutts and Puppy Rescue Mission) who have been working non-stop to evacuate her and the military working dogs, and pets under the care of Kabul Small Animal Rescue. We are in regular communication with Charlotte, and our latest debriefing occurred on August 30, 2021, at 3 pm EST.

Despite being at the airport when the ISIS-K bombing took place on August 26 and facing the vast array of threats there, Charlotte is now off airport grounds in Kabul and, for the moment, is safe. On August 30, she was forced to leave the airport with one puppy under her arm as final military evacuations occurred. She was escorted by the Taliban back to her rescue shelter, 7 miles outside of Kabul, where she remains safe for the moment.

As the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was happening, Charlotte never relented in her efforts to help the animals of Kabul and even took on new animal-care responsibilities. She was able to rescue 46 working dogs and several personal pets belonging to fleeing Americans. Her dedication to saving lives in a war zone during a military evacuation is a remarkable testament to her courage and commitment.

The majority of KSAR staff, and the cats in their care, were never granted access to the airport. They are safe for the moment at another location in Kabul.

The current information regarding the status of KSAR’s 130 dogs is much less clear, despite our constant efforts to confirm their whereabouts.

Here is what we know: In the end, the dogs and their caretakers were explicitly NOT allowed to board military aircraft, and numerous private charter aircraft were not granted access to the airport either. Charlotte was informed that most of the KSAR dogs had to be released into the airport on August 30 as the airport was evacuated – turning once rescued shelter dogs into homeless strays.

They were not given access to the flight we had secured to transport them out of the country. They are within the airport in an area used for housing employees at the far end of the flight line. We haven’t been able to confirm the number of dogs released, nor can we confirm whether the U.S. Military evacuated the 46 working dogs that had been under KSAR’s care when they left. We are urgently pressing for more details, and while this is more difficult now that the U.S. military has completely evacuated Kabul, we refuse to give up.

Moving forward, KSAR’s primary objective is to return to the airport– when it is safe and with the hope of Taliban cooperation–to try and retrieve or re-rescue the animals who were released at the airport. The situation at the airport remains very unsafe, but KSAR is hopeful their staff will be allowed to return to the airport at some point to try to save their dogs. During her departure from the airport on August 30, Charlotte requested the U.S. Military open the bags of dog food she was able to bring into the airport and scatter their contents in the area where the dogs had been released.

Our team of NGOs (SPCA International, War Paws, Marley’s Mutts and Puppy Rescue Mission) has been working tirelessly to rescue KSAR and the animals in its care for the last week, exhausting every possible option and resource we could. We have worked day and night to develop and implement strategies for rescuing Charlotte, her staff, and her animals, as well as contingency plans. The massive network of U.S. and foreign agencies, politicians, charter companies, and rescuers that we enlisted also did their absolute best to advocate for the extraction of Charlotte and the dogs. We also appreciate the support of those in the U.S. military who helped us.

“We are heartbroken that the aircraft we secured to transport the rescued dogs of Kabul Small Animal Rescue out of Afghanistan were not ultimately allowed to take the animals and their caretakers safely out of the country,” said Lori Kalef, Director of Programs at SPCA International. “Our team has been working around the clock and has exhausted every possible option and resource we could in our mission to rescue the dogs before the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. We’ll continue to do everything we can to evacuate Kabul Small Animal Rescue’s staff and animals from the country after August 31. We cannot thank our supporters enough for everything they’ve done to help the dogs and cats of Kabul and their caretakers.”

“I feel eternally grateful for our team, partners and all the government agencies that stepped up to lend their voice during this intense and difficult time. Charlotte’s courage and steadfast devotion to the rescued animals in her care and the tireless efforts of all involved animal advocates working around the globe is awe-inspiring,” said Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts. “We are dedicated to saving them and will continue to seek options to help her and the rescued dogs and cats to leave Kabul safely. They deserve no less.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recently enacted policy suspending transports of dogs from Afghanistan and more than 100 other nations into the U.S., was another terrible impediment, despite our negotiations and pleadings. We applied for an Emergency Exemption so that Charlotte and the dogs could get out on our chartered flight this week. But the CDC’s adherence to its import policy during this time of crisis put animals and people at risk. We are alarmed that leaders at the CDC are not bringing a more balanced perspective to the importation of dogs, especially after the U.S. House of Representatives rebuked CDC on this issue and passed an amendment to restore a proper screening process.

This entire situation is a reminder that when governments, including the United States, don’t recognize the human connection to animals, they put people at risk. If Charlotte and her staff had been allowed to take their animals – with the support of private animal rescue groups that had paid for and organized a charter flight – they’d be safe, and so would the animals. Now she’s still in Kabul, desperately working to bring these animals into a safer space.

While this was our last chance to evacuate the dogs from Kabul before August 31, we are not giving up. We’re currently pursuing options for transporting the dogs and cats out of Afghanistan after that deadline, and the funds we raised will continue to support the care of the animals in Kabul. SPCA International will continue to act as a conduit of information between KSAR and the public.

Here is what’s needed:

We urge the U.S. Armed Forces not to forget the animals of Afghanistan or the people who care for them. We ask them to share the most up-to-date information on the released dogs in Hamid Karzai International Airport and to work with us on options to remove Charlotte and her dogs after August 31.

KSAR needs continuing support. We will continue to work with Charlotte to use every avenue possible to send funding and logistical support.

We cannot thank our supporters enough for your donations and advocacy on behalf of the dogs and cats of Kabul. They have made all the difference in building a coalition of advocates around the world on behalf of Kabul Small Animal Rescue. We will keep you updated on our progress and how you can take action to help Charlotte, her team, and the animals.

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Local Marine reunites with the dog he met overseas WESA Pittsburgh
 
Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
‘Terrible Impediment’: Animal Rescue Group Hits CDC for Impeding Evacuation of Dogs from Kabul Airport
Curious Reporter 2 hours ago 3 min read

236381921_854510282102994_5487262647657136055_n.png

‘Terrible Impediment’: Animal Rescue Group Hits CDC for Impeding Evacuation of Dogs from Kabul Airport

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International (SPCAI) hit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for being a “terrible impediment” to efforts to evacuate canines and other animals from the Kabul airport afore the U.S. military was due to withdraw on August 31.


After the Taliban seized “Kabul,” the progenitor of the Kabul Small Animal Rescue, Charlotte Maxwell-Jones managed to get dozens of canines to the airport, where they staged efforts to fly them out in cargo holds of planes, so as not to take away seats from evacuees. The diminutive animal rescue had launched a vocal gregarious media campaign that amassed widespread support, including from members of Congress.

However, the effort ultimately failed, with Maxwell-Jones fleeing the airport with one puppy, and the other canines relinquished into the airport, according to the SPCAI. Maxwell-Jones asked that the military scatter the pabulum that she brought to the airport for the canines, but it is obscure whether that was done.

Tragically, Charlotte Maxwell-Jones of @KSAnimalRescue did not make it out of Kabul with her animals. Following is a detailed update from one of the organizations working to get them onto a plane and out of Afghanistan. #OperationHercules https://t.co/MFrbbRAxnW

— Animal Rights News (@theirturn) August 31, 2021

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recently enacted policy suspending transports of dogs from Afghanistan and more than 100 other nations into the U.S., was another terrible impediment, despite our negotiations and pleadings. We applied for an Emergency Exemption so that Charlotte and the dogs could get out on our chartered flight this week. But the CDC’s adherence to its import policy during this time of crisis put animals and people at risk. We are alarmed that leaders at the CDC are not bringing a more balanced perspective to the importation of dogs, especially after the U.S. House of Representatives rebuked CDC on this issue and passed an amendment to restore a proper screening process.

The SPCAI verbally expressed it would perpetuate its efforts to evacuating the animals out of Kabul. “This entire situation is a reminder that when regimes, including the United States, don’t agnize the human connection to animals, they put people in jeopardy. If Charlotte and her staff had been sanctioned to take their animals – with the fortification of private animal rescue groups that had paid for and organized a charter flight – they’d be safe, and so would the animals. Now she’s still in Kabul, desperately working to bring these animals into a safer space,” the group verbalized.


“While this was our last chance to evacuate the canines from Kabul afore August 31, we are not giving up. We’re currently pursuing options for conveying the canines and felines out of Afghanistan after that deadline, and the mazuma we raised will perpetuate to fortify the care of the animals in Kabul. SPCA International will perpetuate to act as a conduit of information between KSAR and the public.”

Follow Breitbart News’s Kristina Wong on Twitter or on Facebook.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
I never know which "button" to put on these threads now - sometimes "like" because someone has posted, sometimes "sad" for news, and sometimes "angry" but I don't want the poster to think I am angry at them.

This whole mess, both the animals and the people left behind (and I am referring to all US citizens and their employees/translators/families) just fills me with a combination of disgust and rage. And President Dementia's speech didn't do anything but make it worse, that man (and his handlers need to GO - EXIT STATE RIGHT),
 
Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Melodi said:
I never know which "button" to put on these threads now - sometimes "like" because someone has posted, sometimes "sad" for news, and sometimes "angry" but I don't want the poster to think I am angry at them.

This whole mess, both the animals and the people left behind (and I am referring to all US citizens and their employees/translators/families) just fills me with a combination of disgust and rage. And President Dementia's speech didn't do anything but make it worse, that man (and his handlers need to GO - EXIT STATE RIGHT)
Click to expand...

We don't have much for emojis around here. This is a board software geared for peacetime. We aren't there anymore. Use what you got and I will undertand. If we had one for blood and fire, I would wear it out.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
I am not sure we can post direct articles from this source (a former member here) but John Galt FL has a very good opinion piece on the working dogs left behind by their US Military CONTRACTOR handler and the translator who was left behind after saving Biden and Kerry from the snowstorm. According to his information, he was told he could leave if he was willing to abandon his wife and children... if true, that is disgusting on the part of the State Department.

Here is the link:
johngaltfla.com

IF the Biden Junta Will Lie about Military Service Dogs Being left to the Taliban, What Lies Will They Tell About Abandoned Americans?

First and foremost, I do not blame any mid-level officer or NCO for this. This is done by the political glory hounds who are full birds or higher in rank wishing to kiss the regime’s ass. The…
johngaltfla.com johngaltfla.com
 
pinkelsteinsmom

pinkelsteinsmom

Veteran Member
I just can't read this, my heart is so heavy for all left there, but those poor animals. Satan has his people in place now, it's his planet for a while longer thus, the sweetest and most innocent will be sacrificed.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
Second try to send, this is the number one story on Drudge, the scum at the Pentagon is claiming it isn't "really" military dogs because they belonged to "military contractors" and Afghan dog handlers (as well as the rescued pets of fleeing Americans and Western Citizens the rescues promised to try to look after when people were not allowed to take their animals even in cargo holds).

www.washingtonexaminer.com

US woman left behind in Kabul with 130 rescue dogs thanks to DOD no-fly animal policy

A Tennessee woman who owns an animal rescue center in Kabul was not allowed passage home by the Department of Defense because she carried a disabled puppy in her arms — one of 130 animals she was ordered to leave behind in the final days of airlifts. Charlotte Maxwell-Jones refused to board the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com www.washingtonexaminer.com

US woman left behind in Kabul with 130 rescue dogs thanks to DOD no-fly animal policy
by Tori Richards, Investigative Reporter |
| September 01, 2021 07:00 AM


A Tennessee woman who owns an animal rescue center in Kabul was not allowed passage home by the Department of Defense because she carried a disabled puppy in her arms — one of 130 animals she was ordered to leave behind in the final days of airlifts.

Charlotte Maxwell-Jones refused to board the plane without her puppy on Monday, so the military ordered her to leave and turn loose 130 crated dogs that mostly belonged to Americans and Afghans who evacuated, according to social media postings. This occurred even though Maxwell-Jones secured flights from nonprofit organizations that had permission to land in a neutral country.


She left the airport after being stuck there for six days and returned home to an uncertain fate.

The Taliban visited Maxwell-Jones at home last week and ordered her to leave with her employees, she said in a tearful video posted on Twitter. She raised $703,705 on a GoFundMe page for an animal evacuation and desperately sought a landing permit
.
“Five minutes ago, a fairly large group of Taliban left my lawn. … One of them had a grenade launcher. They told me I should leave immediately and tried to put guards inside my house. … We settled on outside my house,” Maxwell-Jones said in her video. “They have said they will give us safe passage to the airport for as large a group that we have. They told me to leave first. It’s very obvious what will happen.”

Maxwell-Jones was allowed to airlift military dogs, so she handed 46 animals to Veteran Sheepdogs of America for transport to Turkey. A video posted Tuesday said the dogs were in a hangar and given water in preparation for transport. However, the remaining dogs weren’t so fortunate. Maxwell-Jones begged the military to allow her to open bags of kibble and spread it across the tarmac for the suddenly homeless dogs, according to social media.

“In the end, the dogs and their caretakers were explicitly NOT allowed to board military aircraft, and numerous private charter aircraft were not granted access to the airport either,” SPCA International said in a statement . “Charlotte was informed that most of the [shelter] dogs had to be released into the airport on August 30 as the airport was evacuated – turning once rescued shelter dogs into homeless strays.”

SPC International blasted the U.S. government for ignoring its pleas and not recognizing “the human connection to animals” in a recent suspension of dog transport from 113 nations.

“We applied for an Emergency Exemption so that Charlotte and the dogs could get out on our chartered flight this week. But the CDC’s adherence to its import policy during this time of crisis put animals and people at risk,” SPCAI said. “We are alarmed that leaders at the CDC are not bringing a more balanced perspective to the importation of dogs, especially after the U.S. House of Representatives rebuked CDC on this issue and passed an amendment to restore a proper screening process.”

The Department of Defense was forced to address an outcry over the military dog issue on Tuesday but said nothing of how they left the country or why an American with dogs who had a flight plan was left behind.

“The U.S. military did not leave any dogs in cages at Hamid Karzai International Airport, to include the reported 'military working dogs,'” a spokesperson said .

Regarding Maxwell-Jones, the DoD said: "Despite an ongoing complicated and dangerous retrograde mission, U.S. forces went to great lengths to assist the Kabul Small Animal Rescue as much as possible."

The lack of respect shown to military dogs by leaving their escape to a nonprofit group is shameful, retired special operations Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc told the Washington Examiner. He said these evacuation policies “start at the top” and trickle down without any basis in reality.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“You need to have latitude to make concessions, and in this case, that woman should be allowed on the plane with the puppy,” he said.
 
Krayola

Krayola

Veteran Member
Hopefully this will wake up more than a few of the people who voted for Xiden. Even the most brain dead of liberals usually care about their pets.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
I think there is a lot of "buyer's remorse" out there when it comes to Biden and this certainly has helped pitch a lot of people over the edge.

I can tell from Facespy that the uber-liberal wing of the Democratic Party is trying to spin this as "he was forced to do this by Trump," but I don't see that most people are falling for it, and those that do seem to be clutching at straws.

I suspect they will come around as things fall even deeper into chaos.
 
Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Melodi said:
I never know which "button" to put on these threads now - sometimes "like" because someone has posted, sometimes "sad" for news, and sometimes "angry" but I don't want the poster to think I am angry at them.

This whole mess, both the animals and the people left behind (and I am referring to all US citizens and their employees/translators/families) just fills me with a combination of disgust and rage. And President Dementia's speech didn't do anything but make it worse, that man (and his handlers need to GO - EXIT STATE RIGHT),
Click to expand...
pinkelsteinsmom said:
I just can't read this, my heart is so heavy for all left there, but those poor animals. Satan has his people in place now, it's his planet for a while longer thus, the sweetest and most innocent will be sacrificed.
Click to expand...

There is a time to Mourn. That time is not now. Cowgirl up and get to work. There is much you can still do. That son of a bitch thinks he has control of this rock, but he doesn't have this little spot of it. As long as I stand here this is mine. Won't you join me and claim your little piece of this old rock? You do that by looking evil straight in the face and telling it NO! If we all do this, evil will have no place.

Mom, you were born for this and it is your time to Shine.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
This is from Warpaws:

War Paws
3tmSponstsoered ·

We are truly thankful for the outpouring of support for the dogs under the care of Kabul Small Animal Rescue, it has been a huge help in keeping us all focussed on the mission but we do need to get clear facts out there about the working dogs.
The working dogs in question were NOT MWD (military working dogs) owned by the US Military, the are what is known as CWD (contract working dogs) that are owned by private companies that are contracted out for work on contracts which can including military and other operations. These dogs are not in service to the US Military.

[But they are used by contractors for the military - Melodi]

240400746_10165620895150577_7416584611436671929_n.jpg
 
pinkelsteinsmom

pinkelsteinsmom

Veteran Member
Seeker22 said:
There is a time to Mourn. That time is not now. Cowgirl up and get to work. There is much you can still do. That son of a bitch thinks he has control of this rock, but he doesn't have this little spot of it. As long as I stand here this is mine. Won't you join me and claim your little piece of this old rock? You do that by looking evil straight in the face and telling it NO! If we all do this, evil will have no place.

Mom, you were born for this and it is your time to Shine.
Click to expand...
Yes, I will and have been. I am praying imprecatory prayers as King David did asking God to totally destroy this evil that is destroying our world.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
Some good news before bed - I'm off for the night everyone takes care and feel free to take over if there is more news.
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Afghanistan: Rescued animals 'in amazing condition' in UK

Most of the 150 animals rescued by "Pen" Farthing's charity are to be adopted by veterans.
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Afghanistan: Rescued animals 'in amazing condition' in UK
Published8 hours ago
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Lorraine Edwards with a rescued dog.
IMAGE SOURCELORRAINE EDWARDS
image captionAnimal rescue worker Lorraine Edwards transported dogs and cats from Heathrow Airport to a quarantine centre

A woman who helped process rescued dogs and cats flown from Afghanistan said they were "in amazing condition".

Some 150 animals from former Royal Marine Paul "Pen" Farthing's shelter in Kabul arrived at Heathrow Airport on a private charter flight on Sunday.

Lorraine Edwards transported them to quarantine kennels and expected most to be adopted by former military staff.

She said they flew in an aircraft's hold and did not occupy any space that could have been used by humans.

Mr Farthing, from Dovercourt in Essex, set up the Nowzad animal shelter in the Afghan capital, rescuing dogs, cats and donkeys, after serving in the country in the mid-2000s.
Rescued dogs from Afghanistan.
IMAGE SOURCELORRAINE EDWARDS
image captionSome 150 animals were flown to the UK from Paul "Pen" Farthing's shelter in Kabul
Ms Edwards runs a dog rescue centre in Hertford and has helped transport the Nowzad animals to a quarantine site elsewhere in the UK.

"These animals were rescued from the street and offered the precious gift of companionship and comfort to our soldiers," she said.

"Despite the long journey, they are in amazing condition and, after four months of quarantine, they will be given the wonderful new homes they deserve."

Mr Farthing said he had spent weeks campaigning to transport his employees and animals from Afghanistan, but so far had only managed to get himself and the animals out.

He said he would not rest until the 68 staff still in Kabul were safe.

On Saturday, The Times reported it had a recording of him berating a special adviser to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace in which he accused him of "blocking" efforts to arrange a private evacuation flight.

He later apologised for the expletive-laden message and thanked the government for its support.

Mr Wallace previously said Mr Farthing's supporters had "taken up too much time of my senior commanders dealing with this issue when they should be focused on dealing with the humanitarian crisis".
Pen Farthing with a rescue dog
IMAGE SOURCENOWZAD
image captionFormer Royal Marine Pen Farthing set up the Nowzad animal shelter after serving in Afghanistan in the mid-2000s

Ms Edwards, who runs a dog rescue centre in Hertford in Hertfordshire, described Mr Farthing as a "selfless, compassionate man" who had allowed others to be flown out of the country before himself.

The final British flight left Afghanistan on Saturday, bringing to an end the UK's 20-year military involvement in the country.

More than 15,000 people have been evacuated by the UK since 14 August.
Lorraine Edwards with a rescued dog.
IMAGE SOURCELORRAINE EDWARDS
image captionMs Edwards said the animals were in "amazing condition" despite their long journey
Dog rescued from Afghanistan.
IMAGE SOURCELORRAINE EDWARDS
image captionMost of the animals were expected to be adopted by former military personnel
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Seeker22

Seeker22

Has No Life - Lives on TB
A couple from the past few days:
Charlotte is asking that people do not stir the waters. She is being watched carefully and this is a dangerous situation. People are still posting, even after being told to walk it back. There are things happening, but all the keyboard warriors want a participation trophy. Quiet is key.


Kabul Small Animal Rescue

The SPCA International worked with KSAR and partners at War Paws, Puppy Rescue Mission, and Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue to give an update on the situation here and clear up some misunderstandings that had made their way into the press.
Those on the ground here have no intention of giving up on our animals, despite the grueling setbacks, and we will work with a growing and dedicated team to continue efforts to evacuate all our animals and staff.
https://www.facebook.com/kabulsmallanimalrescue



Kabul Small Animal Rescue ·

We've been struggling with misinformation and over-politicized media since this evacuation effort started, and are grateful for Phillip Walter with Stars and Stripes for this succinct and fact-filled article. We are keeping quiet, but working hard to collect and evacuate our animals just as we keep steady on our efforts to safely evacuate our staff. We appreciate your patience.
American rescue clinic founder stays in Afghanistan to pursue evacuation for staff and animals left behind
stripes.com
 
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Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
Some wonderful good news this morning! These are Pen's people, Charlotte and her crew are still in Kabul as far as I know but things are fluid, I am hoping they are all able to get out too.
www.bbc.com

Afghanistan: Pen Farthing 'so happy' as rescue workers escape

Staff at his animal shelter successfully crossed from Afghanistan to Pakistan, says Pen Farthing.
www.bbc.com


Afghanistan: Pen Farthing 'so happy' as rescue workers escape
By Joseph Lee
BBC News

Published11 hours ago
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Pen Farthing with a rescue dog
IMAGE SOURCE,NOWZAD
image captionPen Farthing
Former Royal Marine Paul "Pen" Farthing said the campaign to evacuate workers at his animal shelter from Afghanistan has been "a complete success".
Last month, Mr Farthing was forced to leave behind 68 staff and family members when he and some 150 animals were evacuated from Kabul.
The staff are now in Pakistan in the care of the British High Commission.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said they would be brought to the UK in the coming days.

Mr Farthing's Nowzad animal shelter in Kabul - which cared for dogs, cats and donkeys, some of them belonging to UK servicemen and women - was a cause taken to the hearts of many Britons as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan.
But when the Afghan staff were unable to leave during the frantic mass evacuation, concerns were raised that animals had been prioritised over people.

Mr Farthing, who insisted that his evacuation mission Operation Ark was intended for both people and animals, said the staff are "now safely in Islamabad" and being supported by the British High Commission.
He said he had seen pictures of staff and family members - who include 25 children and a newborn baby - after their arrival in Pakistan and the smiles on their faces "just tell you everything you need to know".
The operation had been a "complete success", he said. "This is absolutely mind-blowing. It has still not really sunk in."

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter
Mr Raab said on Twitter that he was pleased the staff of Nowzad had successfully crossed the border into Afghanistan, adding that the British High Commission staff are assisting them and "we look forward to welcoming them to the UK in the coming days".

The Afghan staff had previously made it to the airport with paperwork from the British government to leave, but Mr Farthing said last-minute changes by the US authorities to require a passport with a visa meant they were not allowed into the airport.

Despite the wave of public support for the animal shelter, the evacuation mission had caused controversy, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace saying that some of Mr Farthing's supporters had "taken up too much time" of senior commanders as they struggled to get to grips with a humanitarian crisis.

Mr Farthing also apologised for leaving an expletive-laden message for a government aide as he tried to arrange the rescue of his staff and animals.
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