Animal Welfare in Ukraine
We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made in Ukraine since 1994, but there’s still more to do – like enforcing animal laws, promoting responsible care for pets, and educating the next generation.
Accurately tracking the number of stray animals in Ukraine is difficult, but current estimates suggest that between 50,000 and 100,000 dogs and cats live on the streets. This is a massive issue, requiring both prevention and intervention to manage the growing population humanely.
Naturewatch Foundation has been working to improve animal welfare in Ukraine for over 30 years. Throughout that time, we’ve seen inspiring progress in legislation, public awareness, and humane stray animal management
Explore this section
- In 2006, the Ukrainian Law on the Protection of Animals from Cruelty was adopted.
- Thanks to the proactive intervention of animal welfare groups like Naturewatch, Ukraine moved from cruelly killing stray dogs to a kinder approach – trapping, sterilising, and rehoming them instead. Humane dog and cat control is a project we’re still heavily involved with.
- Due to having increased confidence in the police, Ukrainians are now more likely to report cruelty cases than they previously were.
- In 2021, our supporters backed a successful campaign to enact Law 2351, which brought some important improvements to animal welfare legislation, such as:
- Banning mass euthanasia of stray animals as a means of population control
- Protecting buildings where street cats have made their homes from being blocked off
- Empowering authorities to intervene in cruelty cases
- Criminalising incitement of animal cruelty
- Increasing penalties for animal abuse committed when children are present – making Ukraine the first country to legally recognise the psychological impact such violence can have on young people. Maximum prison sentences were extended from five to eight years.
Building a kinder future for animals in Ukraine
We’re proud to be a part of the progress that has been made but, even though attitudes and legislation have improved in the country, there’s still significant work ahead to improve Ukrainian animal welfare, including:
-
- Strengthening enforcement of animal protection laws
- Preventing pet abandonment through better education and community support
- Promoting sterilisation, microchipping, and vaccination across Ukraine
- Teaching compassion and responsible pet care to future generations
With continued dedication, compassion, and your support, we’re confident that a kinder future for Ukraine’s animals is not only possible – it’s within reach.
Read about what we’re doing to help animals in Eastern Europe.
How has the war with Russia affected our work in Ukraine?
In February 2022, when the war with Russia broke out, the needs of Ukraine and their animals changed. We immediately reprioritised, helping aid reach those in need, supporting local groups and being there for the partners we’d worked with for three decades.
Find out how we adapted our work in Ukraine.
How you can help
There are lots of ways to help with our work, from making a donation through to holding fundraising events or even getting involved as a volunteer. Below, you can explore the different ways to help us continue raising standards for animals.
Share your story and photos to help us celebrate the powerful bond between people and their animals.
This simple step would reduce harm to wildlife. Help us deliver this message directly to retailers who can make a real difference.
UK wildlife is under threat, yet crimes against it are treated as minor offences. Urgent legal reform is needed.
Join us in telling your local MP why a change in law is vital to protect our wildlife.
Join us in asking the UK Government to finally end animal testing for all everyday household products.
Unethical extreme designer pet trends are pushing cats and kittens to the limit.
Join us in calling for extreme cat breeding to be banned across the UK.
Your support helps us protect wildlife and tackle cruelty. Every donation makes a real impact.
Take part in a way that works for you, whether volunteering, fundraising or donating items, and help create a kinder future for animals.
