Rescue effort for pets left by locals
A massive effort is underway to rescue thousands of pets left behind by people fleeing the carnage in Ukraine.
While many have crossed the border into Poland with cats and dogs, animal welfare groups say more have been left behind.
The drive comes amid claims starving Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine have resorted to eating cats, dogs and rabbits abandoned by fleeing refugees.
Tactical failures by Russian generals have left thousands of troops across Ukraine short of food, ammunition and fuel.
In one shelter in Krakow, Poland, 120 dogs rescued are waiting to be rehomed with new families.
Iga Glazewska, Poland director for Humane Society International, said: “At the Polish-Ukraine reception points, we’re continuing to
see lots of people arriving with their canine or cat companions in their arms or riding along in their backpacks.
“These people have run for their lives, taking only the most precious things they have, and that includes their beloved pets.
“We’re providing emergency pet food and supplies to make the onward journey more comfortable.”
The charity is also ensuring food gets to animal shelters inside Ukraine.
Disaster response expert Kelly Donithan has travelled from the US to help the charity’s relief effort. She said: “We just don’t know how many abandoned animals there are. A lot of people can’t transport their animals, so we are doing what we can to help.”
A couple in Odessa have refused to leave the city and are saving animals still trapped in their owners’ homes.
Leonid Stoynov, 36, and his wife, Valentina 28, both vets, have over 95 animals in their clinic and home, including a small monkey, 30 dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards and snakes.