Since the start of the full-scale invasion, about 158,000 animals in Ukraine became its hostages and need help. Organisations estimate, a total monthly requirement of 1,600 tons in food and more in medicine. Many pets, service animals, and zoo animals are starving and dying.
Nigel Allsopp, President of Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO)
Unlike their human counterparts, they cannot escape the war or voice their pain or seek care. The places they called home - zoos, animal shelters, farms, and forests - have been abandoned or ‘gunned down’. Many pets, service animals, and zoo animals are starving and dying.
Many of these animals were abandoned by their families who were forced to leave their homes in war zones says Nigel Allsopp, President of the Australian War Animal Memorial 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.
"Soldiers, again just like the previous conflict with Russia in 2014, have adopted dogs and cats. In exchange for shelter, warmth and food, the animals give an enormous morale boost to all of the war-weary soldiers. Cuddling the animals makes them forget the horrors of the war for a moment," says Allsopp. "The cats are also a great help to the soldiers. Where there is a cat, everything is alright. They help fight the spread of infectious diseases by hunting down the rats and mice."
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Then there are the horses. "Horse owners, riding schools, athletes, breeders, and professionals are in desperate conditions without any resources of saving their horses," he continues. Help is also desperately needed for horses in Ukraine.
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.
Image courtesy of UPAW
Ukrainian volunteers and activists have also come together to help the animals. One such organization is Ukrainian Pet Association Worldwide (UPAW) who aims to carry their work across the whole world after the victory of Ukraine.
“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 also coordinated the local animal welfare groups which delivered aid across Ukraine when the Australian Animal Aid assistance arrived in the region.
"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.
"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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