U-Hearts marks two years of saving pets in Ukraine
“These are brave individuals who often risk their lives to save others” – Anzhelika Babii.
A non-profit foundation that helps animals in Ukraine has been looking back at the work carried out by “incredible” volunteers, as the two-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion approaches.
After the invasion was launched on 24 February 2022, U-Hearts quickly began providing support through the Save Pets of Ukraine initiative to people who were evacuating with their pets from the frontline or who were rescuing pets which had been left behind.
U-Hearts then expanded into supplying aid to shelters and individuals looking after displaced pets. By January 2023, 25,799 dogs and 19,473 cats were being cared for by rescue shelters and volunteers.
In total, the foundation has delivered more than 1,700 tons of pet food, provided more than 30,000 veterinary medicines and vaccine, and supplied cages, carriers, blankets, bedding, and other equipment.
During the last two years, the foundation has also responded quickly to the various emergency situations which have arisen due to the fighting.
When Russia began targeting Ukraine’s power infrastructure with missile and drone strikes, U-Hearts supplied more than 300 warm dog houses, 45 heaters, and generators to make sure that rescued pets could be kept warm during winter.
When the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, causing massive flooding in the Kherson region, the foundation helped the people rescuing pets from the flood waters. Within the first week of the flooding, Save the Pets of Ukraine volunteers evacuated more than 1,500 dogs and cats.
Anzhelika Babii, a communications coordinator at U-Hearts, said: “During our work, we have met incredible people! These are brave individuals who often risk their lives to save others.
“The stories of these people are amazing. Stanislav Frank, who doesn't leave his city of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region, which is under enemy shelling every day, in order to save animals. Olha Zaitseva, who with a team of volunteers, evacuates pets from cities, towns, and villages in the Donetsk region, including Avdiivka, Ocheretyne, Stepove, and Chasiv Yar. During one of the evacuations, Olha lost friends. Or Regina from Odesa, who alone takes care of 104 dogs, 11 puppies, 65 cats, six kittens, three horses, and a small goat!”
Yuriy Tokarski, CEO of U-Hearts, added: “All of this became possible thanks to the support of our international donors, as well as people who support our activities with donations. It's incredible!”
In the coming year, the foundation plans to participate in neutering and spaying programmes, promote the adoption of pets from shelters, and continue to provide for pets’ basic needs.
Images © U-Hearts Foundation
Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
