The RSPCA has pledged £20,000 to international animal charity Four Paws to help animals affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
The funds will be channelled towards local Ukrainian organisations working on the ground in the war-torn country to care for animals. In addition to its work with companion animals, such as dogs that have been lost by their fleeing owners, Four Paws also operates a bear sanctuary in Domazhyr in the West of Ukraine. Earlier this month, the sanctuary took in seven more bears, including two cubs, from a shelter near Kyiv. The staff have remained on-site continue to monitor a total of 36 bears.
Sonul Badiani-Hamment, UK country director at Four Paws, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our friends at the RSPCA for their support.
“Not only have they kindly donated to our work in Ukraine, but they are also sharing how their supporters can be involved too. This means we can ensure help is provided right where it is needed, in shelters and at railway stations.
“Our teams have already delivered food to local shelters to assist them in caring for the growing number of animals in their care, whilst also offering supplies and support for those fleeing the country.”
RSPCA director of advocacy & policy Emma Slawinski added: “The tragic human disaster in Ukraine has had a knock-on effect for the animals there too. With many of Ukraine’s animal welfare services now curtailed or shut down, we are proud to be able to help on-the-ground charities with our donation and would urge others to help if they can via the Four paws website.”
The RSPCA is continuing to work as part of Eurogroup for Animals supporting organisations working on the ground in Ukraine.
