Two months since the outbreak of war, more than 4 million refugees have been forced to flee Ukraine, many of them with their pets in tow. It is extremely difficult to estimate the number of animals left behind in the country, but we do know that thousands have been abandoned and are still trapped in the areas most affected by the conflict.
These numbers reflect the dramatic stories of people, together with their families and their pets, who are forced to leave everything behind in a quest for protection and safety, and those who have chosen to stay behind in Ukraine, many of whom also have to take care of the remaining animals.
Confronted with the drama of war and its devastating effects on people and animals, Save the Dogs continues to provide assistance at the border of Isaccea, in Romania, and in Ukraine.
WHAT WE HAVE DONE DURING THESE FIRST TWO MONTHS
At the border of Isaccea, we have assisted 674 animals fleeing from war with their owners.
At the border of Isaccea, we have assisted 674 animals fleeing from war with their owners. Our team has distributed essential goods such as food, dog coats and 342 pet carriers enabling families to be able to continue their onward journey. An additional 65 pet carriers were distributed at the Otopeni Airport in Bucharest.
Relief aid at the border was made possible thanks to our staff and the more than 29 volunteers who in recent weeks have taken turns to bring support to families fleeing with their animals.
We have sent more than 32 tons of food supplies to Ukraine to four animal sanctuaries in Odessa that are also taking care of the many stray dogs who have been abandoned without food and shelter.
To ensure adequate food supplies for dispatch to the animals in Ukraine, we have also erected two permanent storage tents at our shelter in Cernavoda.
We have implemented plans to increase our capacity to welcome more animals to the Cernavoda shelter, where the 30 dogs evacuated from the Loving Hearts shelter in Odessa are currently being housed, and where two cats who have since been reunited with their owners were temporarily accommodated.
HOW MUCH WE HAVE SPENT
To date, the expenditure incurred to deal with the emergency in Ukraine is 119.196 Euro, which we have spent as follows:
Donations to associations
€ 6.093
Volunteer
management
€ 4.106
New
storage area
€ 18.397
Save the Dogs
Staff
€ 600
Aid
distribution
€ 60.000
Van
Purchase
€ 30.000
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the foundations and organizations around the world for their vital support to help animals victims of the war.
Abraham Foundation, Ahimsa Foundation, Associazione Umanità, Animal Welfare Institute, Animals’ Angels, Buddist Union Italy/, Dogs Trust Worldwide, Edgard & Cooper Foundation, Fondation Brigitte Bardot, Greater Good Charities, Humane Society International, Hundhjalpen, Ifaw, International Animal Rescue, K9Aid, L’Homme et son Chien, Magic Marble Foundation, Marchig Trust, Royal Canin Italy, Susy Utzinger Stiftung fur Tierschutz, Tasso, The B J Charitable Trust, The Blue Cross, Vets Beyond Borders Denmark