Residents in the area have been expressing their appreciation of the Civil Defense’s work, especially for saving their animals, an important source of income for many villagers. “I saw one of them carrying a number of goats belonging to a villager in a rubber boat and taking them to safety on the other side of the valley,” said local resident Fahad Al-Harbi.
“Animals are important to us. They’re a valuable source of income for many of the rural people who live around here. Although the animals that have been saved may not cost much if sold, they’re very valuable to us as we heavily rely on them,” he added. Another resident Bakheet Al-Fraidi described the Civil Defense’s actions as very “noble,” adding that they risk their lives to help Saudis and non-Saudis at times of calamities.
“They’ve also shown that they are ready to extend a helping hand to animals also. We used to hear about the emergency services in the West rescuing cats and dogs. Our people can now boast the same. This is superb, especially considering how much Islam stresses on looking after animals,” he said.
Tariq Abdul Latif said he was unsurprised to see Civil Defense officials rescuing distressed animals.
“I remember once contacting the Civil Defense after my dog fell into a well. They responded immediately. One of them went down the well, tied the dog to a rope and pulled it out to safety,” he said.
