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The Unseen Victims: An Aussie Vet's Fight to Save Animals in War Zones
Meet Lachlan Campbell, an intrepid Australian Veterinarian from the Sunshine Coast (Queensland), and the Chief Veterinary Officer at Vets Central, a group of 70 veterinary clinics across Australia and New Zealand. Whilst his career has taken him from mixed animal practice to small animal surgery and now leadership, his most impactful work currently lies in helping animals in these desperate situations.
His passion for this work stems from a deep-rooted love for animals, cultivated since childhood on the family property with seven dogs, horses, and various wildlife. His wife is also a veterinarian, and they both aim to instil a spirit of giving back in their children.
This puppy was found in the frontline city of Kramatorsk (Ukraine) malnourished, anaemic and worm ridden. It had also developed Rickets (a bone disorder affecting growing puppies). We vaccinated it, treated it for parasites and ensured it received adequate nutrition and was cared for well in a shelter.
A Glimpse into Nowzad's Vital Work
Nowzad, while a UK-based charity, has a global reach, providing crucial aid where it is needed most.
You might even recognise their founder, Pen Farthing, from his widely celebrated book, "One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Helmand – An Inspiring True Story"or his most recent book and remarkable story "Operation Ark: the gripping true story which captured global headlines".
Their work extends far beyond simple rescue.
For over 18 years now, Nowzad's Animal Hospital and Donkey Sanctuary have been a vital lifeline for countless animals. They've provided urgent medical care, safe refuge, and a chance at a better life for donkeys, dogs, cats, and so many more.
But they're facing an unprecedented challenge.
Due to extensive road construction and high-rise building development, both sites are being evicted this summer, losing the very ground that has allowed to save lives and offer sanctuary, even after the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Relocating an entire animal hospital, with all medical equipment, and a bustling donkey sanctuary, along with every single precious resident, is a monumental undertaking. It requires significant funds to secure new land, build purpose-built facilities without any interruption to services, and ensure the safe and stress-free transport of each animal.
Your help is critical – every donation makes a difference - please don’t let our animals lose their home.
Please donate today: www.nowzad.com/support-us
My recent trip to Ukraine with Pen Farthing and the Nowzad team truly underscored the immense challenges and vital necessity of their work. We journeyed to the northern, eastern, and southern front lines, delivering critical veterinary care to animals directly impacted by the war.
How You Can Help
I’ve shared this story not to highlight my role, but to shine a light on the extraordinary work of Nowzad — and how Australians can help.
Nowzad relies entirely on donations to continue their life-saving missions. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a direct impact on the lives of animals in desperate situations.
He shares with us a glimpse of his animal welfare work on the frontline and a plea for help.
“War doesn’t just destroy cities and claim human lives — it also leaves behind a silent army of forgotten victims: the animals.
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The Russians advanced quickly into Irpin forcing people to flee and abandon their pets. They roam the streets scavenging for food. Dr Lachlan entered Irpin the day after the Russians pulled out under special military convoy to search and rescue surviving animals. |
As Australian dog lovers, our hearts are undeniably drawn to the unconditional love and unwavering loyalty our canine companions offer. We cherish their presence in our homes, on our walks, and as integral members of our families.
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| Dr Campbell has been to Ukraine three times since the war began to help the animals over there. |
But imagine, for a moment, a world where the very ground beneath their paws trembles with explosions, where the air is thick with the scent of fear, and where their human companions are forced to flee, leaving everything behind.
This is the stark reality for countless animals in conflict zones, and it’s a reality that a remarkable charity, Nowzad, is tirelessly working to alleviate.
For the past few years, I've dedicated my personal time and expertise to missions with Nowzad, a vital charity rescuing animals in the world's most challenging conflict zones. Since the war started, I have been to Ukraine three times and Afghanistan twice with Nowzad.
This work has involved everything from critical surgeries and mass vaccinations to providing vital animal husbandry education, often under the direct threat of conflict. I recently returned from a three-week mission skirting the northern, eastern, and southern Ukrainian frontline, providing veterinary care amidst drone attacks and air raids – it's an experience unlike any other.
A Glimpse into Nowzad's Vital Work
Nowzad, while a UK-based charity, has a global reach, providing crucial aid where it is needed most.
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| Nowzad Founder Pen Farthing in Afghanistan |
Since its inception in 2007, when Pen, a former Royal Marines commando, began rescuing street dogs in Afghanistan, Nowzad has been a beacon of hope for animals caught in the crossfire. Notably, Nowzad entered Ukraine within a month of the war starting, demonstrating their unparalleled commitment to responding swiftly to animal welfare crises.
Their work extends far beyond simple rescue.
In Afghanistan, their dedicated team operates the Nowzad Animal Hospital in Kabul, providing free vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and urgent medical care for injured cats and dogs.
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| In the early days of the war in Ukraine animals were brought over the border into Poland to be cared for and treated. Here Dr Lachlan also trained other veterinarians in using ultrasound. |
I am incredibly proud to share that on my last trip, we successfully brought an X-ray machine to Kabul, making Nowzad's facility the only veterinary clinic in all of Afghanistan equipped with this essential diagnostic tool.
They also run a cattery for rehoming and, significantly, a Working Animal Program that treats working donkeys, horses, and mules, coupled with essential animal husbandry education for their owners.
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| Emergency Appeal: Nowzad's Animal Hospital & Donkey Sanctuary Need a New Home! |
For over 18 years now, Nowzad's Animal Hospital and Donkey Sanctuary have been a vital lifeline for countless animals. They've provided urgent medical care, safe refuge, and a chance at a better life for donkeys, dogs, cats, and so many more.
But they're facing an unprecedented challenge.
Due to extensive road construction and high-rise building development, both sites are being evicted this summer, losing the very ground that has allowed to save lives and offer sanctuary, even after the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Relocating an entire animal hospital, with all medical equipment, and a bustling donkey sanctuary, along with every single precious resident, is a monumental undertaking. It requires significant funds to secure new land, build purpose-built facilities without any interruption to services, and ensure the safe and stress-free transport of each animal.
Your help is critical – every donation makes a difference - please don’t let our animals lose their home.
Please donate today: www.nowzad.com/support-us
Rabies prevention is another cornerstone of Nowzad's efforts, implemented through education in local schools and extensive Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TVNR) programs.
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Treating an Afghan Fox kit (puppy) brought into the Nowzad hospital in Kabul after its mother was killed. We cared for him and his brother, who were eventually taken to a zoo in Kabul to be raised. |
My recent trip to Ukraine with Pen Farthing and the Nowzad team truly underscored the immense challenges and vital necessity of their work. We journeyed to the northern, eastern, and southern front lines, delivering critical veterinary care to animals directly impacted by the war.
This included providing food, vaccinations, preventative treatments, and microchipping for hundreds of dogs and cats. We visited shelters and partner organisations, offering much-needed assistance. All of this took place under the constant threat of air raids, drone attacks, artillery fire, and bombings.
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| Nowzad delivers over 20 tonnes of food to frontline carers and shelters across Ukraine. Many carers haven't left their home despite the shelling, taking in abandoned animals from the area to care for, sometimes having 20-30 animals in their house and backyard. |
Nowzad's commitment in Ukraine is profound; for example, they deliver 20 tonnes of pet food to animals affected by the war every month and have carried out Trap-Neuter-Release on over 700 animals in the country. During this mission, I also had the privilege of conducting Education Workshops for veterinary students and local veterinarians at Lviv University.
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| Dr Lachlan Campbell with the Nowzad Kabul Hospital veterinary team. |
It’s a testament to Nowzad’s commitment to empowering local communities that they also prioritise training and supporting Afghan nationals, including the country's first-ever female veterinarians. This focus on building local capacity ensures a sustainable impact long after immediate crises subside.
Bringing Compassion Home: The Australian Connection
As an Australian, the images of displaced animals and their desperate owners resonated deeply with me. It spurred me to act, to leverage my skills and experience to make a tangible difference. My current role as Chief Veterinary Officer at Vets Central, a thriving group of clinics across Australia and New Zealand, allows me to contribute to the veterinary profession on a broader scale.
Bringing Compassion Home: The Australian Connection
As an Australian, the images of displaced animals and their desperate owners resonated deeply with me. It spurred me to act, to leverage my skills and experience to make a tangible difference. My current role as Chief Veterinary Officer at Vets Central, a thriving group of clinics across Australia and New Zealand, allows me to contribute to the veterinary profession on a broader scale.
I am incredibly grateful to our CEO, Keith Nicholls, and the entire Vets Central team for their unwavering support and for providing me with the flexibility and time to undertake these vital volunteer missions. Without their understanding and encouragement, this impactful work wouldn't be possible. Vets Central truly champions a culture of giving back, not just within our local communities but also globally.
While the immediate challenges in war zones are immense – think of the lack of basic equipment and ongoing security concerns – the resilience of both the animals and the people who care for them is truly inspiring. I've witnessed first-hand the profound bond between humans and their pets, a bond that endures even in the most horrific circumstances.
While the immediate challenges in war zones are immense – think of the lack of basic equipment and ongoing security concerns – the resilience of both the animals and the people who care for them is truly inspiring. I've witnessed first-hand the profound bond between humans and their pets, a bond that endures even in the most horrific circumstances.
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| This dog was rescued many years ago by Pen Farthing after being found on the streets of Kabul with its ears cut off, sadly something that is quite common for these big dogs that are used for fighting. |
How You Can Help
I’ve shared this story not to highlight my role, but to shine a light on the extraordinary work of Nowzad — and how Australians can help.
Nowzad relies entirely on donations to continue their life-saving missions. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a direct impact on the lives of animals in desperate situations.
By supporting Nowzad, you’re not just donating to a charity; you’re investing in compassion, providing a lifeline to animals in unimaginable circumstances, and demonstrating the incredible power of human kindness in the face of adversity. Thank you for your time and consideration in helping us make a difference.”
You can learn more about their incredible work and donate directly at www.nowzad.com.
To stay updated on NOWZAD's latest missions and see the impact of your support, follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NowzadCharity and @nowzadrescue on Instagram.
You can also follow my personal journey and see compelling high-resolution photos and videos from my missions on my Instagram.
To stay updated on NOWZAD's latest missions and see the impact of your support, follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NowzadCharity and @nowzadrescue on Instagram.
You can also follow my personal journey and see compelling high-resolution photos and videos from my missions on my Instagram.
Written by Lachlan Campbell, Chief Veterinary Officer at Vets Central for Australian Dog Lover, June 2025.
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