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.
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.
AWAMO has created the Australian Animal Aid to help animals in 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 Ukrainian Pet Association Worldwide (UPAW)
Late last month, the Hon. Mark Pearson of the Animal Justice Party shared his support for the work of the Australian Animal Aid.
The first Australian Member of Parliament to be elected on an animal justice platform, Mark is an animal rights campaigner and was elected to the NSW Legislative Council in 2015. He introduced the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Stock Animals) Bill 2015, seeking to protect farm animals from cruelty and included a call for mandatory surveillance cameras in all intensive livestock facilities and abattoirs, the call to ban to ban the use of exotic animals in circuses in NSW and the call to ban the painful practice of mulesing conducted on Australian sheep.
Read the letter of support below:
Download a PDF of the letter of support here.
The work of the Australian Animal Aid continues and need your support.
How can you support the abandoned Ukraine animals?
1. Donate
The Polish Embassy in Australia is working with AWAMO to raise funds that will directly contribute to the NGOs and animal welfare organisations in Ukraine. Every dollar will be used to send food, medicines and other supplies to Ukraine.
2. Buy Ukraine Animal Support Pin
Military Shop, in partnership with AWAMO, has designed these two unique lapel pins. The lapel pin design displays the Ukraine colours with a dog and cat silhouette to symbolise the plight of all the displaced animals during the war. All profits from the sale of the pins will be sent directly to UPAW to fund animal welfare in the Ukraine.
3. Buy any product from the Purple Poppy Collection
The Purple Poppy honours all animals – great and small – who have served alongside our military, search and rescue, and law enforcement. Choose from this beautiful collection of, badges, jewellery, drink coolers, travel mugs, face masks, and caps and more, to show your support. Every sale of the Purple Poppy Products supports AWAMO, who will be using the funds in 2023 to help animals in the Ukraine.
4. Spread the word with #HelpUkraineAnimals
The easiest thing you can do is share this post.
We tend to forget the impact Ukrainians – humans and animals - face every day. Help us bring the conversation to the forefront of everyone’s mind and gather support. It is as simple as clicking on the ‘Share’ button below, use #HelpUkraineAnimals.
Help sustain these animals until their carers return home to resume normal life here.
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