Podcasts & Interviews

The Austrilian vet braving drones and bullets to rescue Ukraine's pets

Our veterinary advisor and Trustee, Dr Lachlan Campbell, has been featured in a major weekend spread by The Sydney Morning Herald and other Australian media.

The powerful article, "The Australian vet braving drones and bullets to rescue Ukraine's pets," highlights the harsh realities Lach faces on the frontlines. Working alongside Pen, the Nowzad team, and our local staff under the constant threat of drone strikes and shelling, Lach repeatedly returns to frontline areas like Kramatorsk to help.

The Pets Mag Podcast with Marie Carter-Robb and Pen Farthing: Why No Animal Should Be Left Behind

In this powerful and moving conversation, we explore the human-animal bond, the ethics of pet abandonment, Operation Kramatorsk in Ukraine, and the reality of rescuing animals from some of the world's most dangerous places.

Compassionate, candid and often surprisingly humorous, this is a fascinating insight into the work of a man who has spent nearly two decades proving that animals are not collateral damage - they are family.

Babs Michel, Pen Farthing and Nina Ley on BBC Three Counties Radio

Pen Farthing and Nina Ley caught up with Babs Michel on her BBC Three Counties Radio this week to talk all things Nowzad. Diving into our vital work in Ukraine over the last four years, the latest updates on Operation Kramatorsk, and a shameless plug for our milestone 20th anniversary next year!

Listen live or catch up on the BBC Sounds app! (Listen from 1:24:50)

The Australian veterinarian working in Ukraine’s war zone

Dr Lachlan Campbell for Petnews, a Sunshine Coast veterinarian, is working to rescue and treat animals near Ukraine’s frontline. Pet Industry News caught up with Campbell, who is working with animal welfare charity Nowzad and currently on the grounds in eastern Ukraine. The need here is ongoing. Ukraine still needs help, and so do the animals and the people caring for them. 

30 lives saved on the front line

A former Royal Marine is returning to the UK after rescuing 30 cats and dogs living near the front line in eastern Ukraine.

Paul "Pen" Farthing, from Dovercourt in Essex, racked up 8,170 miles (13,148km) taking the animals from Kramatorsk to safety in Smila. Farthing was joined on the high-stakes quest by vets Lachlan Campbell and Angela Stoop, as well as Nowzad grants manager Nina Ley.

Emma Bullimore on BBC Essex: Operation Kramatorsk

The Nowzad team has launched an emergency mission to evacuate animals trapped in the path of Russia’s advance on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. Emma Bullimore spoke with Pen Farthing about the immense challenges involved in the evacuation. As the front line draws closer, the team is working tirelessly to ensure these animals are moved to safety before the city becomes inaccessible.

BBC: Veteran Launches High-Stakes Animal Rescue Mission

A former Royal Marine commando has begun a high-stakes operation to save animals living near the front line in eastern Ukraine. The mission for Paul "Pen" Farthing, from Dovercourt, Essex, involves 24-hour-round trips from Kramatorsk to a haven in Smila. Farthing, who toured Afghanistan between 2006 and 2007, said it was "very likely" that some animals would be shot on-sight if the city was to fall.

Wunderdog Emergency Podcast: Nowzad's Pen Farthing in Ukraine

In this emergency episode of the Wunderdog Podcast, Nina May is speaking to Pen Farthing, the founder of Nowzad, since he is in Eastern Ukraine as Russian forces are advancing. Pen headed to Eastern Ukraine to help people with their pets and shelters with the repair works after Russian attacks.

Pets Magazine: Nowzad Launches “Operation Kramatorsk”

The Nowzad rescue team has launched a high-stakes emergency evacuation to save vulnerable animals and evacuate animals trapped in the path of Russia’s advance on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, where invading forces are now within just seven kilometres of the city limits.

Vettimes: Nowzad launches emergency Ukraine animal evacuation

The charity is working alongside local volunteers in Kramatorsk to save animals in rescue centres and foster family homes across the city, including the Drooh Animal Shelter, where Nowzad supporters previously funded new kennels and repaired perimeter fencing destroyed by a Russian missile strike in 2023.

Operation Kramatorsk: A Race Against Time with Dan Richardson

In the city of Kramatorsk, just 7 kilometres and a team of courageous volunteers separate hundreds of vulnerable animals from the frontlines of the Russian advancement and the realities of war. Pen Farthing, Nowzad founder & CEO, alongside actor and tireless animal activist, Peter Egan, join me for a live chat. Join us to find out how you can support Operation Kramatorsk: A Race Against Time...

The Future of Dog Rescue Part 3 - War Torn Dogs with Pen Farthing & Nowzad

In this episode of The Future of Dogs, Hannah is joined by Pen Farthing, founder of the NOWZAD charity, to explore the complicated world of war-torn dogs. They explore the powerful bond between soldiers and strays, alongside the ethical complexities of rescuing animals from active war theatres. The conversation also highlights ongoing efforts to support dogs abandoned during the invasion of Ukraine.

Pen Farthing: Abandoning Pets During Evacuations Is a Failure of Ownership

Pen Farthing speaks out on the Dubai pet abandonment crisis as rescue centres buckle under the weight of animals left behind. By Marie Carter-Robb, Editor, Pets Magazine. “I feel strongly that we have to change the global mindset so that animal welfare is integrated into the reality of expat life and now sadly crisis planning, rather than an afterthought.” – Pen Farthing

Community Efforts and Animal Welfare in Afghanistan

In November 2023, Nowzad was absolutely thrilled to receive the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) Champion Vet Clinic Award, for our work combatting rabies in Afghanistan.

Canine Love in Conflict...Protecting the Bonds of War

It's the last thing most of us think about; animal welfare in Afghanistan and Iraq. But you don't have to dig too deep to learn that there are absolutely no welfare programmes or respect.