THOUGHTS: The situation in Ukraine is worsening day by day, and so too are the many challenges faced by Ukrainians in the midst of an invasion by Russia. For many families and those who do not stay to fight, the answer is of course to evacuate and find safety. But to the people who run animal shelters and sanctuaries, this is simply out of the question. Claire Hamlett shares her thoughts on these brave humans.

For most of us, it’s impossible to imagine what Ukrainians are going through right now as they flee Russian bombs falling on their home. But one thing that I feel I can easily relate to is reports of refugees ditching their belongings in order to carry their companion animals to safety. In any crisis, I know I would do anything to make sure my two dogs were safe.

So it’s a relief to hear that countries neighbouring Ukraine are waiving restrictions on travelling with animals. Ordinarily, a microchip, proof of vaccination, and a negative blood test for rabies are required for companion animals to cross borders in Europe. But Romania, Poland, Lithuania and Hungary are reportedly allowing people and their animals in without the right veterinary paperwork, requiring them only to fill out a form.

PETA Germany has been contacting border stations in Romania to ensure that border staff are aware of the rule change, while the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has put together a verified list of resources for people fleeing Ukraine with their animals, so they know what rules to expect when trying to cross into different European countries. PETA UK has also written to George Eustice, secretary of state for environment, food, and rural affairs, urging him to ease entry restrictions so that Ukrainian refugees may enter the UK with their companion animals. But with the UK government dragging its feet on relaxing visa rules for all Ukrainians fleeing the war, it doesn’t feel hopeful that Eustice will listen, particularly as the UK tightened its rules on companion animals being brought into the country from abroad after Brexit.

Despite the rule changes in neighbouring countries, some people are still struggling to get out with their animals. An Indian student who refuses to leave Kharkiv, which is under attack, without his dog said he has been trying to get the paperwork together to evacuate. But officials in India have been unhelpful and keep asking for more documents that he is unable to obtain. PETA has been lobbying the India government on his behalf to have him and his dog evacuated to India.

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Other animals that are unable to leave are those in shelters and living as strays on the streets. Andrea Cisternino, an Italian living near Kyiv, has a shelter housing 400 animals, including dogs, goats, and cows. In a Facebook post, he said he would rather die than abandon the animals, and has described the sounds of war he can hear from the shelter. 

There are a number of organisations and animal shelters working to look after rescue animals. The Dodo has compiled a list of several established organisations with links for making donations. But there is no guarantee of essential supplies being able to reach shelters. One worker from a Kyiv cat and dog shelter has said that while they currently have enough food for the animals, they fear they will run out as there is no one to deliver supplies to them.

As with any country, Ukraine has a number of zoos and aquariums, such as Odessa Delphinarium Nemo and Nikolaev Zoo in Mykolayiv. It’s unclear what state these places are in, whether they are or will be at risk of coming under attack. During the Ukrainian War of Independence from 1917 to 1921, Nikolaev Zoo “suffered great losses”, according to its website, which presumably means that animal lives were lost. With it being unlikely that animals including big cats, hippos, polar bears, and monkeys can be evacuated, the safety of them and the keepers is worryingly uncertain.

Some people may wonder how anyone could worry about animal lives when human beings are fleeing a war zone. But domesticated and captive animals are among the most vulnerable in such crises, being often unable to move themselves to safety, and those who find room to have compassion for them needn’t do so at the expense of compassion for humans. And as shown by the people doing their best to protect animals in a horrific situation, whether they are leaving with their companion animals or staying behind to protect them, helping animals is a way to help their human guardians too.

Claire Hamlett is a freelance journalist, writer and regular contributor at Surge. Based in Oxford, UK, Claire tells stories that challenge systemic exploitation of and disregard for animals and the environment and that point to a better way of doing things.

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