Ms. Fatima Motamedi founded the Animal Lovers Association in 2003 which in turn opened the first charitable animal shelter of Iran the following year.

Vafa animal shelter which stands on the empty plains to the east of the city of Hashtgerd near Tehran was later officially licensed and recognised by the government.

So many hurt and stray dogs, often injured in accidents on the highways, were brought to the project,  that its mission gradually shifted towards their care and rescue. A campaign was started to convince the municipality not to order the shooting of strays, but to bring them to the shelter for neutering and care. Now Iranian expatriates as well as locals donate towards the costs.

In this multimedia report we hear from the manager, Ms. Lida Esna Ashari, as well as the chief vet, Dr. Houman Moloukpour, supported by the cries of their beloved dogs, about their hopes for an international standard dog shelter.

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