Animals suffering during the war in Ukraine - Statement

06/04/2022

Animals are often the forgotten victims of wars and World Animal Protection is heartbroken at the plight of all the animals suffering in the war in Ukraine.

We support every effort being taken right now to keep animals alive, safe and cared for.

Supporting Animal Organisations in Ukraine

Animals are often the forgotten victims of wars and World Animal Protection is heartbroken at the plight of all the animals suffering in the war in Ukraine.

We are promoting organisations on the ground to our large supporter base, who are committed to animal welfare and will want to help in any way that they can. Organisations such as UAnimals and UAAA (Ukrainian Association of Animal Advocates), are collecting donations to support local veterinarians, assist animal shelters with financial aid and have been able to successfully evacuate a number of captive and domestic animals into neighbouring countries. We are urging people to support these efforts and follow their progress.

We support every effort being taken right now to keep animals alive, safe and cared for. For the animals suffering in zoos and aquariums, the crisis in Ukraine illustrates the peril we cause wild animals when placing them in captivity and leaving them vulnerable to human-caused activity and tragedy. It is vital we have a future where wild animals are living a wild life, thriving in their natural habitat, not subject to life in captivity.

Find out more about how to help Ukraine's animals at www.eurogroupforanimals.org

Steve McIvor, CEO, World Animal Protection:

"The war in Ukraine is terrifying for both people and animals. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic situation.

Animals are often the forgotten victims in times of crisis, but they also suffer immensely.

We stand in solidarity with animal organisations providing vital support on the ground in this terrible crisis.”

The facts:

The United Nations estimates more than 3.7 million Ukrainians have fled the country since the war began a month ago. Many of them pet owners, forced to flee with their beloved pets in tow which can be extremely traumatic. The world is responding and neighbouring countries are allowing animals to enter with migrants.
Wild animals are exposed to shelling or directly killed by explosives. In conflict nests are often abandoned and behaviours can be permanently altered^[1].
As farms and shelters run out of food, water and workers, or lose electricity, untold numbers of animals will suffer and die, quickly or very slowly. Farmed animals cannot be easily relocated. Ukraine has approximately 3.5 million cattle^[2], 5.7 million pigs^[3], and 212 million chickens^[4], which will be vulnerable to indiscriminate attacks or abandonment.
The FAO continues to work with Ukrainian authorities to identify emerging needs. This include aid to give food security and support for farmers who plan to remain in their communities, save their livestock and crops, and plant their fields. “Ukraine’s agricultural season is starting now, and the next begins in May, making funding urgently needed,” the plan states.