In May 2024, renewed Russian attacks on the Kharkiv region in Ukraine forced people to leave their homes, resulting in many animals being abandoned, frightened, and lost on the streets. Project 1882, in partnership with Kharkiv Animal Rescue, has stepped in to support efforts to evacuate around 400 animals in the area.
At the beginning of May 2024, a new attack by Russian troops on the Kharkiv region began, forcing people to leave their homes for the second time and seek refuge, as in 2022. This attack affected the small town of Vovchansk and nearby towns and villages, leaving Vovchansk almost deserted after intense shelling. People evacuated with few belongings, many taking their companion animals. However, many animals also ran away, got lost, and became too frightened to trust humans, complicating evacuation efforts.
Volunteers in Vovchansk are working tirelessly to rescue as many animals as possible, responding to ownersâ requests to find lost companion animals and evacuate stray animals. Despite their efforts, the resources are insufficient, with many animals still needing evacuation and limited safe places to relocate them. The ongoing danger of shelling also poses a direct threat to the volunteersâ lives.
â Many animals are lost and in urgent need of our help. While the evacuation is challenging, it is essential, and Project 1882 will continue to help evacuation missions to ensure a safe evacuation of animals in Ukraine, says Hanna Tereshko, Director of Project 1882 Ukraine.
Project 1882 has stepped in to provide financial support for these missions, covering one full month of operations or 20 evacuation missions. Partnering with Kharkiv Animal Rescue, which has the necessary transport and volunteers, Project 1882 aims to save around 400 animals, with each mission rescuing approximately 20 animals.
The joint project has only just begun, and continued support is needed for further evacuations, safe placement of animals, and resources for their ongoing care. The issue of adopting these rescued animals into new homes also remains crucial.
Project 1882 works globally to make a difference for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst. Help us with our work in Ukraine.