Britain seeks to get 200 "dogs and cats" out of Afghanistan

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace announced that he would allow a British owner of an animal shelter in Afghanistan to transport about 200 dogs and cats on a charter flight from Kabul, sparking widespread controversy.

The campaign launched by ex-Marine Paul "Bean" Farthing to transport his animals has sparked controversy as thousands of people seek to flee the "Taliban" before US forces withdraw by August 31.

After serving in Afghanistan with the British army, Farthing established an animal charity called "Nawzad" in Kabul to rescue kittens, dogs and donkeys, while he is still in Kabul and was able to collect donations to fund a plane to evacuate his employees and their families, in addition to transporting about 200 cats and dogs in what was called It's "Operation Ark".

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace had previously said it would be wrong to "prioritize pets over people" as thousands wait outside the airport for fear of the "Taliban" who seized control of the country on August 15.

But early Wednesday, Wallace wrote on Twitter that he had allowed officials to facilitate transactions for Afghan Farthing employees at Kabul airport, adding: "If Farthing arrives with his animals, we will look for a place for his plane."

He added that Farthing and his Afghan staff, who have been granted entry visas to the UK, may leave without the animals on an RAF flight.

After the minister's comments, Farthing launched a campaign backed by celebrities, including comedian Ricky Jervis, who criticized the position of the British Ministry of Defense.

British newspapers traditionally support campaigns to help animals abroad, and The Sun wrote that Wallace provided "a glimmer of hope" for what the paper described as a "flight of mercy".

Farthing said he could transport animals in a 250-seat plane and transport Afghans in empty seats.

The United Kingdom has evacuated more than 10,000 people from Afghanistan since August 13, and more flights are scheduled for Wednesday, according to the British Ministry of Defense.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news