Four years of war: More than 30,000 animals rescued, 1,800 cared for daily, 12 hectares of refuge, two clinics and rescue teams in constant operation.
Kharkiv/Stuttgart. Four years of helping animals in war: Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, PETA Germany has been working for animals in the country. Together with their local partners from Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARC) The animal rights organization has so far been able to rescue more than 30,000 animals from the heavily destroyed towns near the front. To mark the anniversary, PETA asks the public not to lose sight of the plight of animals and people in Ukraine.
Harald Ullmann, second chairman of PETA Germany, and Igor Sobko, head of Animal Rescue Kharkiv, about help and hope: “In times of war, the everyday suffering of those who were not born in a human body becomes many times worse than it already is. Many animals become defenseless or have no chance as wild animals when bombs hit their habitat. Animals are often completely on their own in war, starve, freeze to death, die from injuries. An unprecedented situation Good cooperation between the military and ARK makes it possible for chained dogs, abandoned stables with cows or horses or homeless animals to be found and evacuated from the front zone. This is hard and dangerous work for the rescuers from ARK, whose lives hang by a thread during their operations and who did not return from evacuations with bombed-out cars.
“Every day in war shows us the harshness of this reality – and at the same time the strength that comes from not giving up. Our teams see unimaginable suffering, but we also see hope: animals that survive because we, together with PETA, do not look away. This partnership is more than a project. It is a promise that we will stand together – for every single life that depends on us.” – Igor Sobko, CEO, Animal Rescue Kharkiv
PETA helps Ukraine is the largest charitable project that PETA Germany has built up in its more than 30 years. This includes two clinics and safe accommodation for 600 cats and 1,200 dogs. 140 employees give everything for the animals every day, far beyond their limits.