Ukraine Emergency Response
As the war in Ukraine reaches the two year mark, we are launching a new project to help the animals and animal charities within the country who desperately need our support.
The invasion by Russian forces on 24th Feb 2022, was an escalation of the ongoing conflict that started in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea. When the main invasion started, millions of Ukrainians fled their homes to avoid the fighting. Many people were able to take their family pets with them, but a large number of animals were either abandoned on the streets, or taken to animal shelters that were already at full capacity. These shelters that relied on local donations, found themselves with an increase of animals to look after and a decrease in funding due to so many people leaving. On top of this, shelters in the east of the country were also in the direct line of fire of invading troops.
How Can Wildlife & Welfare Help?
Drawing on our extensive experience in disaster response and managing impactful projects in challenging environments, we've initiated a comprehensive program to address the ongoing crisis. This initiative involves collaboration with a diverse network within Ukraine comprising veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and numerous volunteers across the country.
Our partners emphasise that, even after two years of the crisis, the most pressing need remains dog and cat food for abandoned pets. While recognising that food aid isn't a sustainable long-term solution, it serves as a crucial immediate intervention to prevent animals from starving and offers them the strength to endure harsh winter conditions. Leveraging this in-country network, we can efficiently distribute tons of food donations to hundreds of volunteers and thousands of animals.
In tandem with our food aid efforts, we're implementing large-scale sterilisation projects in partnership with reputable Ukrainian veterinary clinics. This vital initiative aims to curtail the births of countless puppies and kittens in the streets, many of which would not survive to adulthood. Without an effective sterilisation program, the surviving young animals would perpetuate a cycle of suffering by giving birth to more offspring.
We are also facilitating the reconstruction of damaged sections of animal shelters in Ukraine, safeguarding rescued animals from adverse weather conditions. Additionally, we collaborate with our partners to deliver emergency veterinary treatment, aiding some of Ukraine's most vulnerable animals in regaining their health and finding new homes.
We Need Your Support
A donation to our Ukraine appeal will enable us to provide more food donations, veterinary supplies and services to animals, both in shelters and on the streets. Our food distribution network is established and volunteers are ready to feed the thousands of hungry dogs and cats in some of the most troubled regions. Your support really will make a difference.
