On Tuesday, the Romanian Red Cross and Humane Society International announced the launch of an agreement to get pet food into Ukraine to “help tackle a worsening animal welfare crisis” during the Russian invasion of the country, the organizations wrote in a press release.
Hundreds of animal shelters, veterinary clinics and rescue centers, as well as thousands of families with pets who remain in Ukraine are struggling to find food for the animals in their care and providing veterinary care for injured or sick animals is increasingly challenging as supplies are at risk of running out, HSI stated.
In recognition of the “clear desire” of people in Ukraine to care for the animals caught up alongside them in the invasion, the Romanian Red Cross will, for the first time ever, add life-saving aid for animals to its humanitarian aid transport, the organizations wrote. HSI has donated the first ton of pet food to the Romanian Red Cross, which the agency will take into Ukraine and distribute according to need.
“In times like these, we at the Red Cross know that our most valuable resource is kindness and compassion,” Raluca Morar, executive director of the Romanian Red Cross in Sibiu, said in a statement. “Our humanitarian convoys will deliver not only supplies to people in desperate need, but also hope that help is on the way.
“In times like these, we know that not only people, but animals also need help,” Morar continued. “We are happy and honored to have Humane Society International on our side, making sure that much-needed pet food will also reach Ukraine with our convoys. The first ton of dry pet food has reached our loading point in Sibiu, and it will be delivered to Ukraine within the next few days.”Â
Humane Society International is also working with other local animal welfare groups in Germany, Italy and Poland to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict with their pets by providing emergency supplies at refugee reception points. The charity is providing pet food, blankets as well as veterinary care for refugees arriving with animal companions, HSI stated.Â
“The people accessing these pet support services speak of their relief at being able to save their pets who are an enormous comfort in extremely stressful circumstances, especially for traumatized children,” HSI wrote.
“We are grateful that the Romanian Red Cross has recognized that the plight of animals in war is inextricably bound up with the plight of the people who live with them and care so deeply about their welfare,” Andreea Roseti, Humane Society International/Europe’s Romania director, said in a statement.
“There are large numbers of pet dogs and cats roaming the streets who have become separated from their families,” Roseti continued. “They are bewildered, traumatized and in need of help. The tragedy of war doesn’t differentiate between two legs or four.”
HSI stated it is working with animal welfare group Berliner Tiertafel in Germany to provide pet food and veterinary treatment. All over Berlin, more than 30 vets are already supporting the project to provide aid to refugees and their pets, so that the animals receive veterinary treatments alongside necessary vaccinations and microchips.
“As we respond to the crisis in Ukraine, it’s clear that the plight of people is often inextricably linked with the plight of animals,” Kitty Block, CEO of Humane Society International, said in a statement. “Whether it’s refugees fleeing with beloved dogs and cats in tow or those staying behind to care for animals in shelters, rescue centers and veterinary hospitals, these people need help.”
Those interested in helping can make donations to HSI’s emergency response for Ukraine and other life-saving efforts at its website.
