In December 2002, Meryl Harrison moved a large audience to tears at the BBC Animal Awards Ceremony, having been flown over from her native Zimbabwe to receive their Special Award. There she told her tale of the rescue of countless animals caught up in five years of the Zimbabwean land invasions, as farmers and families were forced from their homes to make way for Mugabe's 'war veterans'. Many had to leave their animals behind, and it was Meryl's mission on behalf of the under-funded ZNSPCA to go into these destroyed farmsteads to rescue countless domestic animals and wounded livestock. Nandi, pictured on the book-jacket of this heart-warming account of her animal rescues, is just one of the many ordinary pet dogs she managed to save. The bravery of Meryl and her small team, as they overcame huge obstacles to find and return these traumatised pets to their loving owners, has earned her world-renown. But she didn't do it for any human praise – she did it for the animals, the innocent victims of human folly.
"I was totally absorbed. The book describes in graphic detail some of the horrors encountered by Meryl Harrison as she rescued animals in Zimbabwe but, despite the painful realities of those experiences, the book has been written with wit and an overwhelming sense of optimism."
SPVS: Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons
"'Innocent Victims is Cathy Buckle's enthralling account of a rescue mission of mammoth proportions…a dramatic portrayal of a professional courageous and dedicated woman…When you pick up Innocent Victims make yourself comfortable, because you won't want to put it down. It's a riveting read.'"
The Zimbabwean
"This is a book I will never forget. It's definitely a story worth telling. Catherine Buckle has balanced these tragedies beautifully with uplifting and often humourous accounts of rescues. I rate this book highly, not only as an autobiography, but also as a historical record. In my opinion, Meryl Harrison should be made a Dame as soon as possible."
