Since the start of the full-scale invasion, about 158,000 animals in Ukraine became its hostages and extremely need help. During these trying times, Ukrainian volunteers and activists are coming together to help the animals. One such organization is Ukrainian Pet Association Worldwide (UPAW).
Image courtesy of UPAW
“When the full-scale war began, we realized that along with active hostilities, humanitarian crises in Ukraine will start and pets will be among those who will suffer. So, we quickly made a decision to gather the team and create an organization," says Oksana Koshak, co-founder of UPAW.
"UPAW is a partnership of Ukrainian organizations that has four vectors of its work: educational projects, infrastructure projects, law development projects, and crisis management, which is the most needed nowadays. Now, we have 130 members of our team all over Ukraine," continues Koshak.
Image courtesy of UPAW
Since it launched, UPAW received 4,770 requests for help, and 47% of all applications have already been completed. The organisation delivered 944 tons of humanitarian food for animals, as well as veterinary drugs, and other vital things required to take care of pets. Areas of priority –regions of Ukraine close to hostilities, temporarily occupied, and territories liberated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as those where too many animals were evacuated. In general, more than 98,000 cats and dogs have been provided with food during these seven months. UPAW received 10,533 packages of veterinary drugs from its partners and 73% of the total amount is already distributed among the veterinary clinics. The UPAW team made 160 deliveries to regional centers, and then to smaller towns and villages. As a whole, UPAW has traveled 158,258 kilometers through Ukraine, which is equal to almost 3.5 of the earth's circumference!
In addition to gathering and delivering humanitarian cargo, UPAW provided free-of-charge spay and neuter campaigns and sterilized 162 pets. Moreover, two fundraising campaigns have been conducted: for the Poltava Horse Club A-D to provide horses with drinking waterwell, and for car purchase for the Shans Shelter in Zaporizhzhia. You can read more about UPAW and its work on: https://upaw.org
UPAW and AWAMO
Many Australian organisations have also started providing support in the form of food, medicine, and volunteers such as the Australian War Animal Organisation (AWAMO). AWAMO preserves the memory and story of war animals through the establishment of world-class memorials and education programs. AWAMO also directly supports retired Service dogs and other projects helping veterans or animals.
AWAMO has created the Australian Animal Aid to help the animals of Ukraine
The Australian Animal Aid shipped a container load of food and medication supplies to Poland, working with a number of Polish NGOs, as advised by the Polish Embassy, including UPAW. UPAW coordinated the local animal welfare groups which deliver aid across Ukraine.
Image courtesy of UPAW
"At present, we have mostly concentrated on our project Tailed Hostages of War, aimed at overcoming the consequences of the humanitarian crisis, which affects the most vulnerable residents of Ukraine —pets. The total monthly requirement is 1,600 tons of food," shares Koshak.
"Now, when the war is in an active phase, we shall move forward even more extensively, more quickly, to rescue the animals who need food, veterinary drugs, and other vital things," says Olga Kirilovich, another co-founder of UPAW. "We are very grateful to everyone who supports UPAW and Ukrainian animals. And we call the world community, organizations to join and help.”
How Can You Help the Animals in Ukraine
The Russo-Ukrainian war has already caused tens of thousands of casualties and displacement of people as well as thousands of animals.
Many animals were abandoned by their families who were forced to leave their homes in war zones. AWAMO President, Nigel Allsopp shares that left to fend for themselves, often these animals have no hope of finding their families again. Read about the ongoing plight of these animals here.
Then there are the horses. "Horse owners, riding schools, athletes, breeders, and professionals are in desperate conditions without any resources of saving their horses."
Help is also desperately needed for horses in Ukraine.
"A lot of people who might look in the situation and then think 'my God, it's overwhelming.' But everyone can help," says Allsopp.
If you are able to help, here are ways you can support the Ukraine appeal.
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