How the growing political tensions will impact the animals of Ukraine
The animals of Ukraine have no idea of the political situation and challenges facing the country right now. Their needs are for food, warmth, love and protection from abuse and exploitation. That’s what Naturewatch Foundation has been working to give them for the last 20 years.
It’s been a challenge and one that we must continue as we hear more stories of aggression towards Ukraine.
Our programme for police officers and the animals of Ukraine
In 2018, we started an ambitious programme of training police officers about animal abuse and why it was an important issue for their communities and the animals of Ukraine. We also explained to animal groups how to work more closely with the police. So far, this has helped lead to a 95% increase in crimes against animals being reported and more convictions for serious abuse.
In 2020, we began supporting new animal welfare legislation taken to the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) and we assisted with the passing of Law 2351 last November – a strong piece of law that helps to protect companion, wild and farm animals.
Since the pandemic, most of our training sessions have been online and we have continued to encourage Ukrainian professional advocates to support the drive to make animal cruelty a serious issue. Next month, for example, we are presenting to an audience for law enforcement in Odesa (the 13th city for us) whilst volunteers we work with have run sessions this month in Rivne and the local police have been joining forces with dog rescues finding food and supplies to keep them operating.
As 2022 continues, we know that our work helping the animals of Ukraine will be affected by what is developing with Russia and so we must adapt again. We need to remain in regular communication with all our contacts across the country and ensure that the progress so far is not affected by war.
Thank you to the police in Rivne
Being in the UK, it is hard to imagine what it must be like for Ukrainians wanting to protect their country, their families and the animals and we should assist them where we can. As Campaign Manager for Ukraine, I will be watching closely but, in the meantime, I want to be able to thank the police officers in Rivne for spending their time to lead by example and show others in their community that animals matter.
Written by Mark Randell, Ukraine Campaign Manager
