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Livestock and companion animals in the Gaza Strip
The war since October 2023 has destroyed most livestock farming in Gaza and cut animals off from feed, water and veterinary care.
Open on the interactive globeFAO reported in June 2026 that between October 2025 and April 2026 sheep numbers rose by 33 percent and goat numbers by 8 percent, the first increase since October 2023; it delivers about 600 tonnes of feed per month and has supported more than 5,000 livestock-keeping households. Sulala, the only animal shelter, cared for about 70 dogs and 50 cats in Deir al-Balah in December 2025 amid shortages of medicine and food. Rafah Zoo reopened in March 2026 after losing some animals, including three lions.
Species
| Species | IUCN status | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ovis aries Ovis aries | fao.org | ||
| Capra hircus Capra hircus | fao.org | ||
| Canis familiaris Canis familiaris | (2025) | nbcnews.com | |
| Felis catus Felis catus | (2025) | nbcnews.com |
Needs
- animal rescue
- veterinary care
- livelihoods
Who is helping
Organisations that, according to their own publications, work on this event (3). Donations go directly to each organisation's own website - GLOBURNS does not handle payments.
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)FAO supports agriculture, livestock and food security in crisis-affected countries. In June 2026 it delivered veterinary vaccines into Darfur through a cross-border…
- Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land (SHADH)A UK charity that treats working donkeys, horses and mules in Palestine. In August 2026 it introduced a new veterinary team in Gaza City that treats wounds, teeth and…Donate on the organisation's website (safehaven4donkeys.org)
- Sulala Animal Rescue (Sulala)Sulala, founded in 2006 by Saeed Al Err, is the only operating animal shelter in the Gaza Strip. It rescues, treats and feeds stray dogs, cats and donkeys; in September…Donate on the organisation's website (sulalaanimalrescue.com)
Sources
- fao.org fao.org/newsroom/detail/gaza-strip-s-agriculture-and-livestock-sectors-show-early-signs-o…
- nbcnews.com nbcnews.com/world/gaza/gazas-animal-shelter-workers-share-food-hungry-dogs-cats-rcna251111
- progressive.org progressive.org/latest/on-the-coast-of-gaza-a-zoo-reopens-its-doors-nassar-20260526/
- fao.org fao.org/in-focus/gaza/en
Seed record, before editorial verification. Every number links to its source; report errors on the Corrections page. Methodology · Corrections
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