Pet food is being sent into Ukraine by the Red Cross and Humane Society International to help relieve the country's animal care issue.

Pet food is being sent into Ukraine by the Red Cross and Humane Society International to help relieve the country's animal care issue.

     HSI applauds the Romanian Red Cross for unparalleled cooperation in assisting individuals with animals in times of war.

Sibiu, Romania (March 15, 2022) — The Romanian Red Cross and the animal welfare organization Humane Society International have entered into an unusual arrangement to bring critical pet food into Ukraine to assist combat an escalating animal welfare crisis.

Hundreds of animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and rescue centers, as well as thousands of families with pets who have remained in Ukraine, are struggling to find food for the animals in their care, and providing veterinary care for injured or sick animals is becoming increasingly difficult as supplies run out. In appreciation of the apparent desire of Ukrainians to care for the animals caught up in the conflict,

"In times like these, we at the Red Cross know that our most significant resource is kindness and compassion," says Raluca Morar, executive director of the Romanian Red Cross Sibiu county. Our humanitarian convoys will not only provide goods to individuals in severe need but also the hope that aid is on its way. In times like these, we realize that not only people, but even animals, require assistance. We are grateful and honored to have Humane Society International on our side, ensuring that much-needed pet food reaches Ukraine via our convoys. The first tonne of dry pet food has arrived at our loading station in Sibiu and will be sent to Ukraine in the coming days."

"As this violence continues, people and animals in Ukraine are suffering alongside each other, particularly in those animal shelters and households where leaving animals behind has simply been an unthinkable option," says Andreea Rosetti, Romania director of HSI/Europe. We are glad that the Romanian Red Cross has recognized that the situation of animals in conflict is intrinsically linked to the misery of the humans who live with them and are sincerely concerned about their well-being. We have contributed one tonne of emergency pet supplies, the first of many that will be distributed by the Red Cross throughout Ukraine to help prevent a deepening animal welfare catastrophe. There are many pet dogs and cats roaming the streets that have been separated from their owners.

HSI is also collaborating with local animal welfare organizations in Germany, Italy, and Poland to assist Ukrainian refugees escaping the crisis with their beloved dogs by giving emergency supplies to refugee receiving centers. The organization is offering pet food, blankets, and medical treatment to refugees who arrive with animal friends, thanks to a generous grant from Mars, Incorporated. People who use these pet support services express satisfaction at being able to rescue their dogs, who provide immense comfort in highly difficult situations, particularly for traumatized youngsters. In Germany, HSI collaborates with the animal welfare organization Berliner Tiertafel to give pet food and medical care. More than 30 vets from all across Berlin have already pledged their support for the effort to help the homeless.

Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, HSI/director Europe's for Germany, says, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is, of course, a catastrophic humanitarian disaster, but the loving dogs, cats, and other animals of people fleeing Ukraine are very much part of that refugee tale." We've heard from refugees we're assisting in Berlin that the faithful company of their dogs has kept them and their families going on the long trek to safety. Pets, especially for youngsters, are a huge source of comfort in coping with the trauma of war. These refugees are scared and fatigued, so being able to assist them in caring for their dogs means they have one less thing to worry about at a time when they most need it."

You can assist by donating to HSI's Ukraine emergency response and other life-saving operations.

Contacts for the media:

• Romania: Andreea Roseti, Director of HSI/Europe in Romania – aroseti@hsi.org
• Wendy Higgins, Director of International Media in the United Kingdom – whiggins@hsi.org
• Anna West Senior Director of Media Relations – awest@humanesociety.org

Humane Society International works in over 50 countries to promote the human-animal link, rescue and protect dogs and cats, enhance farm animal care, protect wildlife, advocate animal-free testing and research, respond to natural catastrophes, and challenge animals cruelty in all of its manifestations. The Humane Society of the United States, a U.S. branch of HSI, take on puppy mills, industrial farms, trophy hunts, animal testing, and other brutal businesses. Visit hsi.org to learn more about our work. HSI may be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.