For the last six months, the cross-border conflict between Lebanon’s Hezbollah group and Israel has not only taken a toll on human lives but it has also deeply affected the animal population.

Abandoned pets and strays are sometimes the only living beings left in some towns in Lebanon’s south.

They have been left to fend for themselves amidst the chaos.

These animals face starvation, injury and disease without the care and protection of their owners.

Nizar Hatoum, a dog trainer and former Lebanese army soldier, has taken the initiative to intervene, rescuing stranded and abandoned dogs in the areas affected by the clashes in southern Lebanon.

Tens of thousands of people fled their border villages and headed to safer areas inside Lebanon.

Venturing into the streets, Hatoum searches tirelessly for these animals, providing them with much-needed food and care.

Initially, he started offering them food “until they started trusting us and approaching. After gaining their trust, we took each dog in, providing them shelter,” said Hatoum.

Hatoum had set up the shelter in his village of Mimess, located in the Hasbaya district at the slopes of Mount Hermon.

In addition to training dogs, the shelter also serves as a refuge for the rescued animals, offering them a safe haven away from the dangers of the border conflict.

Hatoum said “if an owner of a displaced dog comes forward, we will ensure their dog is returned to them.”