With the continuous support and compassion of our donors, we have been able to evacuate 546 animals, perform 158 surgeries, and help 3,408 animals overall in the first month of 2023.
This brings our animal welfare spending to $639,068, which has reached 83,496 animals since the beginning of the war.
Behind every dollar is a muzzle, a wet nose, a tail or a hoof. Here are some highlights from this month:
ZooHouse – Chernighiv Region
This family farm turned into an animal rescue following the devastating consequences of the Russian invasion one year ago. Marina and her family currently take care of over 60 animals of various different species.
The attacks on the Chernihiv region began on February 24th, and occupation lasted until April. During that time, houses and structures were destroyed; tanks rolled through solid fencing, shelling heavily damaged barns, homes, and infrastructure. Many people in the region fled their devastated homes to regain some stability, hoping to return once the war was over. But as the war dragged on, families found themselves unable to return, leaving their farm animals behind. Luckily, ZooHouse has stayed, and was able to retrieve several abandoned animals.
Amongst ZooHouse’s tenants are 5 calves that were rescued from being sold for slaughter following mass evacuations. They joined the family alongside abandoned companion animals, goats, horses and more.
Marina reached out to us in a gentle manner, clearly describing the situation at their shelter. The barn where many of the animals reside had been damaged, allowing snow to accumulate inside, and the internal temperature to drop below freezing. Lack of a weatherproof shield for the barn was creating a multitude of problems – mud, mold, penetrating coldness – causing secondary issues like illnesses in animals, and further damage to the barn.
A simple, inexpensive, but effective way to keep animals warm, clean, and safe was to install a low weatherproof ceiling. This keeps the heat from escaping, and water from entering, all without the need of extensive construction.
With a new roof over their heads, the animals can now survive the winter.
Maya and Blud – Kurahovo, Donetsk Region
Maya and Blud were beloved family members. They lived in a home with a large yard and a kind human. But Donetsk region has seen some of the most devastating destruction, and although this family managed to withstand 10 months of terror, eventually the threat became overwhelming – in December a shell landed and exploded in their yard. The threat of losing his furry children in this inconceivably painful way brought their owner to make an unimaginably tough decision – evacuate them to safety, to a new loving family.
Anna Ch, a well known animal volunteer in the Donetsk region, was the first contact in Maya’s and Blud’s rescue. She reached out to Nova Ukraine, and we were able to find them a spot at the Our Home and Protection Shelter (OHPS) and fund the evacuation. The incredible owner of OHPS, Alla, is a knowledgeable and experienced animal handler with boundless empathy and concern for the long-term wellbeing of all her residents. With the consent and blessing of the original owner, Maya and Blud were adopted into Alexander’s family in the Kyiv region, where they are absolutely adored. They are now thoroughly enjoying their responsibilities as big siblings to their human sister.
These happy endings are only possible through the combination of our generous donors, dedicated and cooperating volunteers, and compassionate people who, despite the darkness, continue to open their doors to these desperate animals again and again. Every piece is vital, and none of it is possible without everyone playing their part.
Alla Borisovna – Kherson
Looking at Alla Borisovna now, it is impossible to tell that two months ago she was shivering in a damp basement of a residential building in Kherson. She hobbled around on three legs, staying out of sight, hiding from the terrifying explosions and sirens. A few residents fed her scraps and gave her a blanket, but she was wilting in front of everyone’s eyes.
The Nova Ukraine Animal Welfare team has curated 4 successful evacuations from Kherson since the liberation of the region in November, bringing over 200 animals to safety. Homeless animals in occupied territories are often severely malnourished, injured, and sick. During occupation, when supplies are limited and conditions are difficult, homeless animals tend to be among the most vulnerable and highly affected victims, so we evacuate as many of them as we can accommodate when territories are regained.
In December, a local Kherson volunteer reached out to Nova Ukraine about Alla Borisovna after our evacuation missions reports were published on Facebook. She was immediately added to our roster for the next evacuation. Alla Borisovda arrived in Kyiv on December 31st with 51 other animals. The combined efforts of local volunteers, the brave and tireless drivers and caretakers for the animals, and the accepting shelter made this possible for 52 little hearts.
Upon arrival, we provide veterinary exams for all evacuated animals. Alla Borisovna was a bit of a “project” – bacterial infection, malnutrition, and a completely broken hind left leg. She was immediately treated for her illnesses, and a surgery was performed followed by physical therapy and lots of cuddles.
Today Alla Borisovna is a completely different dog – she runs around on all four paws, full of life and enthusiasm. Her leg is healed and her heart is mending too.
These animals won’t know who gave them a second chance, or be able to thank you for saving them, but seeing their wagging tails and shining eyes is more than enough. Donations make these stories possible for hundreds of animals every month. Join our fight for the innocent victims of the war.
Please indicate “Animal Rescue” in your donation to direct funds towards our animal rescue efforts.