Rescue Programme
In Ukraine
Left Behind In War
In September 2022, the entire Donetsk region of Ukraine received a mandatory evacuation order as war engulfed the area. While most residents fled, one woman refused to abandon the 94 dogs and 29 cats in her care. Tatjana, a local animal welfare advocate in the town of Dobropillia, stayed behind under the most dangerous conditions imaginable.
With her husband off at the front lines and a rifle and grenades left for protection, she was determined to protect the animals from certain death. She reached out to our Austrian sanctuary — and we knew we had to act.
A Daring Rescue
Together, with the help of other organisations in the UK and Romania, our animal rescue team launched two complex and high-risk operations. Navigating destroyed roads, active checkpoints, and even a drone pursuit, we reached the shelter in Dobropillia. In our first mission, we evacuated 45 dogs and 10 cats and transported them to a long-abandoned animal shelter in Bissendorf near Osnabrück, Germany — which we urgently leased and renovated to give them safe refuge. But due to administrative restrictions, 68 animals had to remain behind temporarily.
For us, this was never an option. No animal would be left behind. In mid-October, with all legal hurdles cleared, our second team returned to complete the mission. All 123 animals were finally safe.
Trauma To Healing
The animals we rescued from Ukraine have endured unimaginable trauma. Many arrived severely stressed, frightened, and in poor health. In Bissendorf, Germany, they are now receiving critical medical treatment and compassionate care — but the road to recovery is long. This rescue was only possible thanks to support from our partners and donors.
We Need Your Help!
Help us continue this vital work. Your donation supports veterinary care, feed, medication, shelter, and the rescue of further innocent lives, caught in the crossfire of war to finally find peace and safety.
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