The RSPCA has pledged £20,000 to international animal charity FOUR PAWS’ appeal for donations to help animals in Ukraine.
Contributions to international animal charity FOUR PAWS will be channeled towards local Ukrainian organisations which are working hard on the ground in the war-torn country to care for animals – from dogs who have been lost by their fleeing owners, to wild bears in need.
RSPCA Director of Advocacy & Policy Emma Slawinski said: “The tragic human disaster in Ukraine has had a knock-on effect for the animals there too. With many of Ukraine’s animal welfare services now curtailed or shut down, we are proud to be able to help on-the-ground charities with our donation and would urge others to help if they can via the FOUR PAWS website.”
Sonul Badiani-Hamment UK Country Director FOUR PAWS UK said: “We are incredibly grateful to our friends at the RSPCA for their support.
“Not only have they kindly donated to our work in Ukraine, but they are also sharing how their supporters can be involved too. This means we can ensure help is provided right where it is needed, in shelters and at railway stations. Our teams have already delivered food to local shelters to assist them in caring for the growing number of animals in their care, whilst also offering supplies and support for those fleeing the country.
“We want to do all we can to make sure the animals are prepared for the next step in their journeys and thank everyone for supporting us in making this possible.”
The donations from the RSPCA and others towards the care of animals in Ukraine complement newly announced free quarantine services for pets arriving from there into the UK with their refugee owners. The RSPCA has been working behind the scenes to assist the UK Government in introducing this new process for refugees entering the UK with their pets.
Emma added: “We’re also delighted that the UK Government is introducing a new process for refugees to come here with their pets. We’ve been working hard behind-the-scenes to assist in making this a possibility.
“Pets are parts of our family and during the horrific recent events in Ukraine we’ve seen individuals go to incredible lengths to ensure their pets get to safety. We’re pleased that for those refugees coming to the UK they won’t have the added heartbreak of leaving their pets behind.”
The RSPCA will continue to work as part of Eurogroup for Animals supporting organisations working on the ground in Ukraine to help those animals who have been left behind.
In addition to their work with companion animals, FOUR PAWS also operates BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr in the West of Ukraine. Earlier this month the species-appropriate sanctuary took in seven bears, including two cubs, from WHITE ROCK Shelter near Kyiv. The dedicated staff who have remained on-site continue to monitor the bears, of which there are now 36.
Find out more about how you can help here: www.four-paws.org.uk/ukraineupdate
