The war in Ukraine recently passed the two-year mark, and more than 15,000 animals impacted by the war have been saved by PETA Germany and the Ukraine-based Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK).
Stories about Ukrainian zoo animals, such as these lions and this Asiatic black bear, have made it into the headlines over the course of the conflict, but thousands of other domesticated animals have been saved as well—sometimes out from under shelling.
ARK’s dedicated teams are providing upwards of 40 tons of food per month to cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, and other animals; offering free spay/neuter surgeries to 150 animals every month; and helping maintain refuges for animals in Kharkiv.
With their partners in Germany, many of these animals are getting second or third chances at life through international rescue programs. All the links below contain what may be considered tear-jerking or occasionally graphic scenes.
PETA is understandably proud of the work that ARK, whom they support, is doing, and posts regular updates anytime animals are saved. Many of their stories and videos—like this rescued pregnant dog and her 8 puppies—involve soldiers and civilians going out of their way in desperate times to care for and shelter animals abandoned during shelling or other violent flare-ups.
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Not all rescues involve crossing lines of fire—this swan was stranded on razor-thin ice with a blood-stained wing, and ARK members used an inflatable boat like a sled to reach him—the boat served as part-stretcher part-lifeboat in case the ice broke under their feet.
Nearly all of the animals rescued need immediate medical treatment for shrapnel injuries, broken bones, or infections. ARK’s hospital treats a staggering 100 to 130 animals per day, like this goat named Alaska who suffered a broken leg, for war-related injuries or deprivation.
MORE RESCUE OPERATIONS: Ukraine Girl Bereft Without Her Cat is Reunited Thanks to Kind Strangers in 5 Countries and 7,000 Miles–WATCH
“Animals don’t wage wars, but they’re victims of them, left to suffer without food, water, or veterinary attention for grievous injuries unless someone who cares comes to their aid,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA urges everyone to consider the animals impacted by conflicts and the heroes putting their own lives at risk to help them.
Readers interested in contributing to this life-saving work can donate to the PETA Germany Compassion Fund which goes directly you Ukrainian partners like ARK.
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