Ukrainian clinics receive veterinary award

Veterinary clinics in Ukraine received 2023 International Canine Health Awards and $20,000 each. The 3 clinics located in Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia contracted under a collaboration between FOUR PAWS and the Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association (USAVA), a welfare organization that united many small animal veterinary practices in Ukraine when the war broke out. In addition to the award money, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust will be donating a further £10,000 towards the 3 clinics from funds raised as part of the Trust’s Ukraine Appeal.

Surgery at one of the Ukrainian clinics. (Photo credit: FOUR PAWS)

According to a release from The Kennel Club,¹ the courageous teams at these clinics continue to face the turmoil and fear of working in a war-torn country since the Russian invasion began. Some clinics had to move their practices underground for safety during bombing, and some are working with no electricity and water and limited medical supplies. However, despite these hardships, these clinics have been able to stabilize the stray animal population by carrying out sterilization and vaccination programs.

Andrey Ponomarenko, director of Sviy Likar clinic in Zaporizhzhia, said in the release: “We express our sincere gratitude for this extraordinary support. Receiving this award is a beacon of hope for homeless animals who suffer daily due to the war.”¹

Andrew Higgins, BVetMed, MSc, PhD, FRSB, FRCVS, Chairman of the International Canine Health Awards panel and trustee of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust which organizes the awards, said: “The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people and of course their animals. We wanted to highlight the dedication and commitment of so many veterinarians working in Ukraine under incredibly difficult circumstances. Sadly we cannot reward them all, but we wish to profoundly acknowledge their triumphs over adversity – clinics such as these are a living testimony of the global veterinary oath to protect animal welfare and health and to prevent and relieve animal suffering.”¹

Vernon Hill, founder of Metro Bank, and whose major gift from the Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation underwrites the awards, said: “To remain in a country suffering such conflict to help others is a true credit to human nature. The life-saving work of these clinics for both their animal patients and their owners epitomizes the values that the International Canine Health Awards recognizes and celebrates. The clinics will be remaining in my thoughts and I hope to continue to hear updates on how the award is helping in their valuable mission.”¹

Applications for the awards are judged by a panel of independent and eminent international veterinarians and scientists. The awards will be presented via a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, July 12 at 15:00 BST.

Reference

Brave Ukrainian clinics receive prestigious veterinary award. News release. The Kennel Club. Published June 30, 2023. Accessed July 6, 2023.