UK backtracks, allows ex-marine Paul Farthing to evacuate his animals from crisis-hit Afghanistan

The UK reversed course to allow Paul "Pen" Farthing, who owns an animal shelter in Afghanistan, to evacuate his animals as well as staff to the UK.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, previously said it would be "wrong to prioritize pets over people," before announcing Wednesday, "if he [Farthing] arrives with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane."

Farthing, a former marine, says he can fit some 200 dogs and cats in the hold of his 250-seat, crowd-funded charter plane along with 25 staff members, including three of Afghanistan's first female veterinarians, and their immediate families. All have been granted visas for the UK.

"I had an opportunity, the fact that I am a British citizen, I'm going to use that to full effect — so I've said I'm not going until my staff leave this country," said the army veteran.

Farthing, who fought in Helmand Province until 2006, started the "Nowzad" animal shelter — named after his first rescued dog — in 2007.