Some animal rescue groups fear countless dogs will die of starvation or be killed if they are not allowed entry into Canada as a result of a recently announced policy.

Last week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced that starting on Sept. 28—which is also World Rabies day—it will be blocking commercial dogs from entering the country. A commercial dog is defined as one for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show or exhibition, research and other purposes.

The agency listed more than 100 countries that have been deemed high risk of canine rabies.

Arabian Saluki Rescue – NL has shipped dozens of abandoned dogs back to loving homes in Canada from Qatar over the years, but that will come to an end in September.

Leah Hynes says a number of dogs will be ready to go in the coming weeks and she’s encouraging people interested in adopting a pet from Qatar to watch her page closely.