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Nowzad on Air: Voices from the Frontline of Animal Welfare

The story of Nowzad began with a single, life-changing bond between a Royal Marine and a stray dog in a remote Afghan village. Since then, that spark of compassion has grown into a global mission to provide safety, medical care, and a voice for animals in the world's most challenging environments.

In this collection of podcasts and interviews, Nowzad founder Pen Farthing and guest experts share the evolution of Nowzad: from the early days of building Afghanistan’s first animal rescue centre and pioneering rabies prevention programmes, to the harrowing logistics of Operation Ark and our ongoing work today in Ukraine and Afghanistan. These conversations offer an intimate look at the resilience of our team, the deep connection between people and animals in conflict zones, and the unwavering commitment to lead with integrity when the stakes are highest.

3 hours 1 min

Emma Bullimore on BBC Essex: Operation Kramatorsk

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.

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BBC: Veteran Launches High-Stakes Animal Rescue Mission

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.

14 mins

Wunderdog Emergency Podcast: Nowzad's Pen Farthing in Ukraine

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.

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Pets Magazine: Nowzad Launches “Operation Kramatorsk”

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.

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Vettimes: Nowzad launches emergency Ukraine animal evacuation

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.

28 mins

Operation Kramatorsk: A Race Against Time with Dan Richardson

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...

1h 10 mins

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

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.

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

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

42 mins

Pen Farthing: Feline welfare, Kabul and the mission of Nowzad

Pen Farthing: Feline welfare, Kabul and the mission of Nowzad

Former Royal Marine Pen Farthing joins the team to discuss the specific challenges of feline rescue and welfare within the Nowzad clinic in Afghanistan. He shares the remarkable story of the evacuation of staff and animals during the fall of Kabul, highlighting the resilience required to maintain animal care in a conflict zone. It is an insightful look at the deep bonds between humans and cats amidst the most difficult of circumstances.

20 mins

Pen Farthing: Nowzad, praying for a miracle

Pen Farthing: Nowzad, praying for a miracle

In this episode, former Royal Marine Pen Farthing gives a desperate update as the Taliban seize control of Kabul and his team faces an uncertain future. He discusses the urgent struggle to evacuate his Afghan staff and the animals in their care while navigating the rapidly deteriorating security situation at the airport. It is a raw and emotional account of a mission caught between hope and a humanitarian crisis.

54 mins

Pen Farthing: Animal welfare, political storms and Operation Ark

Pen Farthing: Animal welfare, political storms and Operation Ark

This episode continues the conversation with former Royal Marine Pen Farthing as he reflects on the intense media scrutiny and political challenges surrounding Operation Ark. He provides a detailed look at the final days of the Kabul evacuation, the resilience of his staff and the ongoing mission of the Nowzad charity. It is a candid exploration of staying true to one's purpose despite facing overwhelming public and bureaucratic pressure.

54 mins

Pen Farthing: Courage, compassion and Operation Ark

Pen Farthing: Courage, compassion and Operation Ark

Former Royal Marine Pen Farthing shares the gripping story of founding Afghanistan’s first animal rescue center and the high-stakes mission to evacuate his team during the 2021 fall of Kabul. He addresses the intense political and media pressure of "Operation Ark," offering a firsthand look at leading with integrity during a humanitarian crisis. It is a powerful discussion on the personal cost of standing by your values when the stakes are at their highest.

6h 32 mins

Operation Ark: Introduction Read by the Author Audiobook by Pen Farthing

Operation Ark: Introduction Read by the Author Audiobook by Pen Farthing

In this opening segment, Pen Farthing introduces his personal account of the 2021 evacuation from Kabul. He shares the intense pressure and the split-second decisions required to get his Nowzad staff and animals to safety as the city fell. It provides a raw and honest look at the chaotic reality of the mission and the personal cost of the rescue effort.

53 mins

Pen Farthing: Animal rescue, Operation Ark and life in Kabul

Pen Farthing: Animal rescue, Operation Ark and life in Kabul

In this episode, former Royal Marine Pen Farthing shares the intense story of founding the Nowzad shelter in Afghanistan and the high-stakes evacuation known as Operation Ark. He reflects on the emotional bond between soldiers and animals, while addressing the immense challenges of rescuing his staff and animals during the fall of Kabul. It is a powerful account of resilience and the ongoing mission to protect the voiceless in a conflict zone.

1h 52 mins

H-Hour Podcast #144 Pen Farthing – Founder of the charity Nowzad, former Royal Marines Commando

H-Hour Podcast #144 Pen Farthing – Founder of the charity Nowzad, former Royal Marines Commando

The conversation centres on the high-profile and controversial "Operation Ark" during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Pen discusses his efforts to evacuate his charity's staff and nearly 170 rescued animals from Kabul as the Taliban took control.

37 mins

Pen Farthing - The Animal Hero | A One Of The Family Podcast by Nicky Campbell

Pen Farthing - The Animal Hero | A One Of The Family Podcast by Nicky Campbell

On the latest episode of the double award-winning podcast, Pen Farthing tells us what really happened in that dramatic animal rescue from Afghanistan. He addresses the claims, the counter-claims, the truth and the lies.

23 mins

Pen Farthing on Dartmoor

Pen Farthing on Dartmoor

Clare Balding joins former Royal Marine Pen Farthing for a wild walk across Dartmoor alongside his rescued dogs, Patchdog and Maxchap. Pen shares the powerful story of founding his charity, Nowzad, which began with a single rescue in Afghanistan and grew into a mission to care for the country’s stray animals.

56 mins

Pen Farthing, rescue missions and wacky wing walks

Pen Farthing, rescue missions and wacky wing walks

This collection features former Royal Marine Pen Farthing discussing his journey from Helmand Province to founding the charity Nowzad. You will also hear from specialist vet Rob on common pet illnesses, alongside inspiring stories from wing-walking fundraiser Cherry Lorberg and BorrowMyDoggy founder Rikke Rosenlund. It is a heartfelt look at the unique bonds between people and animals.

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Community Efforts and Animal Welfare in Afghanistan

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.

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

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.