Like many others we have been monitoring the crisis in Ukraine and have watched in horror as war rears its ugly head once again. The situation is undoubtedly a humanitarian disaster, but animals are caught in the crossfire too. People are making the heart-breaking decision to flee with or without their pets, animal shelters are struggling for supplies and their carers risk their lives by staying behind to look after them.
Although we have no project in Ukraine ourselves, we cannot sit idly by and do nothing. Therefore, we have decided to send emergency financial aid to a number of organisations working in Ukraine to support their work helping animals caught up in the conflict. If you would like to contribute, please make a donation to Stand With Ukraine and we will ensure 100% of it goes to those people working on the ground in Ukraine.
So far we have sent donations to three organisations working directly with animals in Ukraine or animals fleeing the conflict. Four Paws, who have recently rescued four bears from a bear shelter in Kyiv and taken them to their bear sanctuary near Lyiv, whilst their staff are bravely still on site and caring for the other bears in their care. Four Paws have also been helping to ensure that animal shelters are stocked up on food for the animals in their care, helping to deliver vital supplies.
We have also donated to UAnimals, who are based in Ukraine and are working hard to help rescue animals, distributing vital supplies to those who need it, such as animal shelters. Their work is right at the heart of the conflict and we applaud their bravery and courage during these troubling times.
Finally, we have also donated to Sky Foundation, an animal shelter in Iasi, Romania, who currently care for over 500 animals. Unfortunately, they are struggling to cope with the surge in demand, as they are taking in animals brought over by refugees fleeing the conflict. A large number of animals have also been abandoned in their area, meaning that food is now in short supply.
Our hearts go out to the people and animals suffering the devastating consequences of this conflict and we applaud the courage of all those coming to the aid of its victims. We will continue to monitor the situation and remain ready to lend further support in the future.
If you require information on how to evacuate Ukraine with pets, please visit: https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/information-fleeing-ukraine-pets