The Red Cross and Humane Society International partner to address Ukraine animal welfare crisis

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The Romanian Red Cross and Humane Society International have launched an agreement to provide essential pet food into Ukraine to help combat a worsening animal welfare crisis.

"In times like these, we at the Red Cross know that our most valuable resource is kindness and compassion. Our humanitarian convoys will deliver not only supplies to people in desperate need, but also hope that help in on the way. In times like these we know that not only people, but also animals need help,” said Raluca Morar, executive director Romanian Red Cross in Sibiu, in an organizational release.¹

“We are happy and honored to have Humane Society International on our side, making sure that much needed pet food will also reach Ukraine with our convoys. The first ton of dry pet food has reached our loading point in Sibiu, and it will be delivered to Ukraine within the next days,” she added.

According to the release, it has been challenging for hundreds of animal shelters, veterinary practices, rescue centers, and the thousands of families with pets still in Ukraine to find food for the animals in their care and provide veterinary care for injured or sick animals as supplies are continuously depleting.¹ Therefore, for the first-time ever the Romanian Red Cross is adding life-saving aid for animals to its humanitarian aid transport. Humane Society International has donated the first ton of pet food to the Romanian Red Cross, which they will bring into Ukraine and distribute according to need.

“There are large numbers of pet dogs and cats roaming the streets who have become separated from their families; they are bewildered, traumatised and in need of help. The tragedy of war doesn't differentiate between two legs or four, and together with the Red Cross we will get aid to those people in Ukraine desperately asking for help to keep their animal friends alive in this crisis,” said Andreea Roseti, Humane Society International/Europe's Romania director, in the release.¹

Additionally, Humane Society International is collaborating with other local animal welfare groups in Germany, Italy, and Poland to help Ukrainian refugees with companion animals fleeing the crisis. With a donation from Mars, Incorporated, the refugees will be supplied pet food, blankets, and veterinary care at refugee reception points. According to the release, those accessing these resources display their relief of being able to save pets who offer comfort amid these horribly stressful circumstances, especially for traumatized children.¹

Particularly in Germany, Humane Society International is partnering with animal welfare group—Berliner Tiertafel—to offer pet food and veterinary treatment. Across Berlin more than 30 veterinarians are already supporting the efforts so animals receive essential veterinary treatments in addition to required vaccinations and microchips.

"We have heard from refugees we're helping in Berlin that the loyal companionship of their pets has kept them and their families going on the arduous journey to safety. For children especially, their pets are an enormous source of comfort to help them cope with the trauma of war,” remarked Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, HIS’s Germany director.

“These refugees are frightened and exhausted, so being able to help them care for their pets means they have one less thing to worry about at a time when they need help the most,” she continued, in the release.¹

Reference

The Red Cross and Humane Society International have launched an unprecedented agreement to get vital pet supplies into Ukraine to alleviate animal welfare crisis. News release. Humane Society International. March 15, 2022. Accessed March 15, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-red-cross-and-humane-society-international-have-launched-an-unprecedented-agreement-to-get-vital-pet-supplies-into-ukraine-to-alleviate-animal-welfare-crisis-301502372.html