ADAM: Among the biggest achievements of BETA for the year 2009 was the rescue of a Lion from captivity. Adam, as we named him, was transported to Lebanon illegally in hopes to be sold; through the course of his life he was unlucky enough to end up left in a small cage with no food or water & hanging on to his last breath. He was discovered on the 27th of August in the back of a pet store in the Quarantina area by a concerned citizen who called BETA in a desperate attempt to save his life. BETA members had no choice but to have a sit-in outside the store, among other protests, till officials interfered and granted Adam with a court order to forgo treatment under BETA’s custody. This was a particularly difficult task in the absence of Animal Protection Laws in Lebanon and, as far as we are aware, a groundbreaking legal decision was made enabling an NGO to take away an animal due to maltreatment. The media was a great support covering this story all around Lebanon in which we were very grateful for it placed tremendous pressure on the owner. Adam was diagnosed with extreme stress and depression due to his captivity and painful confinement which was evident by the open sores on his body. He was hardly breathing with his enormous inflated stomach as a result of improper and even complete lack of nutrition. It’s a miracle Adam even survived as long as he did, doctors were hesitant to give us hope in improving his condition due to his critical status. However, Adam is proof that miracles do happen when he slowly regained his strength after being fed appropriately and administered with the right vitamins and care. BETA is now working on getting Adam back to his natural habitat where he can finally roam free and truly live his title as the King of the Jungle. We are very happy with Adam’s progress. BETA was only the means, but Adam made it by himself because only HE is the survivor.
SPAY DAY INTERNATIONAL 2009: BETA’s proudest moments nevertheless most tiring days and nights was taking part of Spay Day International for the year 2009. A total of 100 dogs and cats were spayed/neutered on February 24, 2009. A number of them were domesticated pets living with their owners and others were captured from the streets then released after their operations. 6 committed Veterinarians participated that day and supported the BETA team. What initially would cost pet owners hundreds of dollars for the spay/neuter operation was done for a fraction of that cost saving them money they may need to care for their pets. It was indeed a successful day for everyone involved in that day. And a first in the minds of Lebanese citizens who are discovering the importance of spaying/neutering into saving lives.
TNR Capture and Release: This mission has been and will always be BETA’s main objective in all its endeavors; parallel to any and all of its work at any given day, BETA’s main efforts goes towards capturing dogs and cats to be spayed and neutered then released back on the streets. Although it would have been humanely ideal for us to keep them, it is almost impossible due to financial constraints and limited space at the shelter. However, it is the next best thing and thousands of unwanted and unborn puppies and kittens were saved from their inevitable fate of suffering and pain by this simple yet important operation and mission. Thanks to all the vets out there that help us make this come true and believing in the cause.
Gala Fundraiser Event 2009: for the second year in a row, BETA hosted their Gala fundraising dinner at the Sursock palace gathering over 320 guests to share with us the achievements and successes in honor of our furry friends. It’s such a great feeling to know and see with our own eyes how many people, prominent figures in our society and animal lovers are actually out there rooting for us and encouraging us to keep doing what we do best. We couldn’t have achieved our successes without them and we continue to depend on their sincere generosity and faith in us to keep up the work. BETA launched its newest documentary for the year 2009 which included “ADAM’S” rescue; our biggest story and achievement as well as an open delicious vegetarian buffet enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
