How can Australians help Ukraine’s abandoned animals?

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Since then, millions have died, been injured, or fled the country. Media channels across the world are actively covering the situation and reporting on the fatalities. During this dire situation, the often unaccounted and unheard victims who don’t always make the front page are the animals – both big and small.  

Unlike their human counterparts, they cannot escape the war or voice their pain or seek care. The places they called home - zoos, animal shelters, farms, and forests - have been abandoned or ‘gunned down’. Look at these photos capturing the plight of animals in time of war by The Huffington Post.  

Many pets, service animals, and zoo animals are starving and dying. Animal welfare organisations in Ukraine estimate about 158,000 animals have suffered due to the conflict and require more than 1,600 tons of food monthly and more in medicine to care for these furry friends.  

Photo: Rodrigo ABD/AP/Shutterstock 

Even during these trying times, Ukrainian volunteers and activists are coming together to help the animals. Organisations such as the Ukrainian Pet Association Worldwide (UPAW) and Nowzad go out daily to rescue and care for these animals.   

 "At present, we have mostly concentrated on our project Tailed Hostages of War, aimed at overcoming the consequences of the humanitarian crisis, which affects the most vulnerable residents of Ukraine —pets. The total monthly requirement is 1,600 tons of food," shares Oksana Koshak, co-founder of UPAW.

UPAW Team sorting the food received through donations 

Many Australian organisations, such as the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO), have also started providing support in the form of food, medicine, and volunteers.

How can you support the abandoned Ukraine animals? 

Donate 

The Polish Embassy in Australia is working with AWAMO to raise funds that will directly contribute to the NGOs and animal welfare organisations in Ukraine. Every dollar will be used to send food, medicines and other supplies to Ukraine.  

Buy Ukraine Animal Support Pin 

Military Shop, in partnership with AWAMO, has designed these two unique lapel pins. The lapel pin design displays the Ukraine colours with a dog and cat silhouette to symbolise the plight of all the displaced animals during the war. All profits from the sale of the pins will be sent directly to UPAW to fund animal welfare in the Ukraine.

Buy any product from the Purple Poppy Collection 

The Purple Poppy honours all animals – great and small – who have served alongside our military, search and rescue, and law enforcement. Choose from this beautiful collection of, badges, jewellery, drink coolers, travel mugs, face masks, and caps and more, to show your support. Every sale of the Purple Poppy Products supports AWAMO, who will be using the funds in 2023 to help animals in the Ukraine. 

Spread the word with #HelpUkraineAnimals 

The easiest thing you can do is share this post.  

We tend to forget the impact Ukrainians – humans and animals - face every day. Help us bring the conversation to the forefront of everyone’s mind and gather support. It is as simple as clicking on the ‘Share’ button below, use #HelpUkraineAnimals.  

Please help us sustain these animals until their carers return home to resume normal life.