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Support helps Ukraine animal shelters make it through winter
“We're very happy that this winter we were able to scale up our aid effort” – Yuriy Tokarski.
Over 150 tonnes of pet food distributed alongside heaters and generators.

The U-Hearts Foundation has revealed that it managed to provide more than 150 tonnes of pet food and other crucial supplies to help animal shelters in Ukraine during the winter.

Working with partner organisations from around the world, U-Hearts distributed 156.57 tonnes of pet food to animal shelters and rescue centres across Ukraine between December 2023 and February 2024.

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, shelters in Ukraine have had to take in thousands of animal that have been abandoned or separated from their families as civilians flee the fighting.

Russian attacks can make it difficult to keep these animals safe, fed and warm, and the cold winters of Ukraine present an additional challenge for those caring for animals. As well as providing food, U-Hearts helped run a series of initiatives to support shelters with other crucial supplies during the winter.

The ‘Warm Paws and Hearts’ initiative provided 33 electric heaters and five generators to 25 shelters across Ukraine, as well as 111 pet houses, while ‘Operation Warm Paws’ saw the delivery of 15 heaters to seven regions in Ukraine. A bed and blankets appeal in the UK also collected 300 blankets which were distributed to shelters.

Yuriy Tokarski, CEO of the U-Hearts Foundation, said: “We're very happy that this winter we were able to scale up our aid effort. By analysing past experiences and consulting with shelters about their needs, we concentrated our efforts on sourcing and providing them with the necessary support.

“None of this would have been possible without the generosity of those who donated funds or goods, for example warm blankets, as well as without our friends and partners who helped to purchase everything that was needed!”

Donations to U-Hearts can be made via its website.

Image © U-Hearts

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.