Until this week, animal rescue thrived in Ukraine. Fourteen shelters, rescues and sanctuaries operated freely throughout the former Soviet Union satellite tucked between Russia and eastern Europe.
But after concocting a false pretense for war, Russian Federation President, Vladimir Putin, gave orders to breach Ukraine’s borders on three fronts last Wednesday. At press time, millions of civilian lives and thousands of rescued companion and farm animals inside the fledgling democracy are in peril.
As more than 100,000 Russian troops and cavalcades of war material pour into Ukraine, throngs are fleeing eastward into Poland. Others hunker down with their pets at home or in subway stations, huddled together against an unknown fate. Ukraine’s army and conscripted civilian males between 18 and 60 are mounting a valiant fight.
Missiles and mortars have reduced air strips, roads and homes to rubble. Amid the fray, animal rescues scramble to stay open. West of Ukraine’s capitol, Kyiv, Prytulok Dyla Tvaryn “Best Friends” shelter pleaded with followers to help replenish supplies that would only last their 1,000 animals another three days:
“Suppliers can't drive through and deliver food,” Best Friends posted on its Facebook page. “We ask everyone to help in whatever way they can. Explosions can be heard nearby. We will not leave the shelter. But please don't leave us either.”
Nastya Aboliesheva, who works for the Kyiv-based Happy Paw shelter, echoed the concerns about shrinking food supplies. Situated next to an airfield in Kyiv, the Gostomel shelter is especially vulnerable Aboliesheva told Newsweek. “No one is willing to risk their lives to deliver what is needed,” Aboliesheva said.
Close to Poland’s border, Barbos Animal Shelter highlights Poland’s open-door policy on admitting pet-toting refugees. One follower noted that Romania is also open for traveling with pets. Indeed, Romanian animal rescue charity, Casa lui Patrocle, vowed to provide veterinary services to “any type of animal” who entered the country.
Barbos’ latest post featured a cartoon of a forlorn cat staring doe-eyed at a shadowy human poised for a quick exit with luggage. The cat’s expression appears to ask meekly, You’re taking me, too?
“Friends!!!,” the post implores. “Don’t leave your pets behind! Please don't leave them to die!!! Times are hard right now, but there is no reason to be cruel to those for whom you are the whole world! Let’s hold on!”
The actual number of animals left behind in the mayhem is unknown. There are currently an estimated 50,000 homeless animals in Ukraine.
Day Lapu shelter in the remote outpost of Druze cares for special needs animals, outfitting paralyzed dogs and cats with scooters. Dominating the shelter’s homepage is a large, red banner framing a pair of praying hands and the letters “SOS.” The websites of several Ukraine shelters were inaccessible at press time.
Shelters urge pet parents to keep ID tags with addresses and phone numbers on animal's collars and to leash dogs on walks.
As Kyiv is actively shelled, people leaden with pets and belongings rush to seek refuge. Some told Washington Post correspondent Siobhán O’Grady that they had no idea where they were headed.