Dear friends and colleagues,

My name is Clara and I am an Irish vet based in Melbourne, Victoria.

As you are all likely aware by now Afghanistan is facing yet another massive and life threatening crisis with the infiltration of the Taliban throughout the country.

This has left many Afghanis at risk of losing their lives and their human rights. Those at the highest risk are women and children.

A shelter in Kabul is currently attempting to raise funds to rent a cargo plane to not only evacuate as many staff members as they can but also as many animals as they can. Their staff include many vets and nurses. If they manage to rescue these people and animals they will need ongoing support to survive in a new country.

I am urging, pleading and begging for us to do something for our fellow colleagues in what is the most dangerous and hazardous time of their lives. I am hoping to petition the Australian government and the Australian veterinary association to take action and help our veterinary family by assisting with their rescue.

We are currently facing a massive shortage of veterinary staff in this country and it makes complete sense to give our Afghani colleagues a safe haven to come to Australia and help with our own shortage in a safe and caring environment.

Again, please, I am urging you to please help, we are not just a veterinary community, we are a veterinary family and families need to help each other and keep each other safe no matter what.