Meet the Woman Who Left Her Life in Tennessee to Run an Animal Clinic in Afghanistan

It has now been over a year since the United States troops finally left Afghanistan after 20 years. However, the country still is a rough place for injured and homeless animals. That’s why this woman from East Tennessee lives in Afghanistan, caring for the animals under the eyes of the Taliban.

Charlotte Maxwell-Jones runs an animal clinic in Kabul, Afghanistan. She and a team of vets run Kabul Small Animal Rescue, which has a population of almost 250 animals.

“Mostly dogs and cats. We have some sheep, tortoises, and peacocks,” Maxwell-Jones said.

A year ago, when the United States left Afghanistan, the Taliban took over control of the country. Because of this, women were no longer allowed to work in the clinic. 10 News reported that Maxwell-Jones is allowed to stay in her role, but she is now only allowed to hire men.

Source: NBC News/YouTube

Maxwell-Jones has had to create a delicate relationship” with Taliban leaders to remain where she is. She says that she has “privileged status,” but only to a degree.

“They’re allowing us to operate so we’re grateful that is in place. There aren’t many resources here and if we leave there will be even less,” said Maxwell-Jones.

Since the United States left the country, the global spotlight has shrunk significantly. Accompanied by the war in Ukraine, much of the donations have gone there that might have gone to Afghanistan in the past.

“Since the Ukrainian war started a lot of media attention has turned there. Rightfully, a whole lot of money has gone to the animal rescues there, so we have really dropped out,” she said. “That’s hard because the cost of everything here is going up.”

The clinic relies on donors and their donations which have helped fund a charter plane to carry 286 dogs and cats out of the country and into Canada to find forever homes this year.

She bravely stays behind for the animals and wants to let the world know that they are still there.

“It’s been my home for a long time,” she said. “I will always love it here. It’s not a fun place to be. We have to build that institutional knowledge back where we’re not every day just putting out fires.”

To Donate to the animal rescue, check out their Facebook page. The clinic also has a GoFundMe campaign.

Related Content:

• US is Searching for 5-Month-Old Baby Lost During Afghanistan Evacuation
• Afghanistan Sinks into a Food Crisis after Taliban Takeover
• All-Female Afghan Orchestra in Shambles After Failed Afghanistan Evacuation
• Taliban Taunts Lions at Afghanistan Zoo
• American Animal Rescuer Stays in Afghanistan

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