The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has tragic effects on both humans and animals. From heartwarming rescues to disturbing exploitation, animals amid war present an urgent narrative. Recent reports detail the heroic rescue of a dog named Rocky from rubble in Radushne and a cat evacuation by soldiers in Druzhkivka. Meanwhile, illegal trade of zebras from "Askania-Nova" highlights wartime opportunism. Across the regions, zoos and animal shelters suffer from shelling, leaving many animals injured or worse. This complex situation underscores the critical role of rescue missions by Ukrainian forces, who have also been involved in saving wildlife entangled in anti-drone nets. These stories reflect both the grave challenges and resilient efforts to protect life amidst the chaos. Keywords: animal rescues, illegal wildlife trade, Ukrainian conflict, animal welfare during war.
How are animals affected by the war in Ukraine?
Animals in Ukraine face numerous challenges due to the war, including injury from shelling, destruction of habitats, and illegal exploitation. Many are left without food, medical care, or shelter, and rescue efforts are constantly being undertaken by volunteers and soldiers to mitigate the damage and protect as many animals as possible from the consequences of the conflict.
What efforts are being made to rescue animals in conflict areas?
Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers are actively engaged in rescuing animals from war-affected areas. These efforts include retrieving animals from under rubble, evacuating them from combat zones, and providing medical care. There are numerous stories of soldiers risking their lives to save pets and wildlife, showcasing compassion amidst conflict.
Are there reports of illegal wildlife activities during the war?
Yes, the conflict has led to illegal wildlife trade activities, as evidenced by the reported sale of zebras from Ukraine's "Askania-Nova" Biosphere Reserve. Such exploitations take advantage of the chaos brought by war, endangering local wildlife and biodiversity. Authorities and activists are working to expose and curb these illegal activities.
What impact have military actions had on zoos and animal reserves?
Military actions have severely impacted zoos and animal reserves, with incidents like the damage to Kyiv Zoo from Russian strikes. Such attacks leave animals injured and facilities destroyed, complicating rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The ongoing conflict poses a dire threat to animal welfare in these institutions.
How do soldiers handle animal welfare during the conflict?
Soldiers in Ukraine often take on the role of animal rescuers in addition to their military duties. They've been involved in various rescue operations, such as freeing animals trapped in dangerous situations and ensuring they receive medical treatment. Their efforts highlight a commitment to preserving life even under combat conditions.
What challenges do volunteers face in supporting animals during the war?
Volunteers face significant challenges including accessing conflict zones to reach affected animals, limited resources for care and transport, and the constant threat of danger from ongoing military activities. Despite these hurdles, their dedication to animal welfare remains unwavering, as they strive to save as many animals as possible.
News animals
Russians attacked poultry farm and farm in Chernihiv region: 20 thousand birds and 50 pigs died Over the past 24 hours, Russian troops have attacked the Chernihiv region nine times. Among the targets were two agricultural enterprises: 20,000 birds were killed at a poultry farm, and 50 pigs were killed at a pig farm. 1 450 4 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
400 dogs and nearly 40 horses from combat zone could end up on streets: shelter in Kharkiv region is facing closure. VIDEO In the village of Zadonetske in the Kharkiv region, a shelter for animals rescued from the combat zone may be closed. 1 300 3 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Animal shelter catches fire in Kyiv region: dogs killed, some enclosures destroyed. PHOTOS A fire broke out at the Sirius animal shelter in the Kyiv region on the night of 9 August. Animals were killed in the fire, and some of the enclosures were destroyed. 2 944 8 Previously in trend: Chornobyl fire
Ukrainian rescuers saved burnt fawn whilst extinguishing large-scale fire in France, - State Emergency Service. VIDEO+PHOTOS Ukrainian rescue workers, who are helping their French colleagues tackle large-scale forest fires, have rescued a fawn that had suffered burns and was unable to escape the fire zone on its own. 4 720 20 Previously in trend: Ukrainian rescuers will help France
Only Rocky survived: following the Russian strike on Radushne, dog belonging to large family was rescued from under rubble, - media. VIDEO+PHOTOS Following a Russian missile strike on a residential building in the village of Radushne in the Kryvyi Rih region, a dog belonging to a large family was rescued from under the rubble. The dog, named Rocky, was rescued by a journalist from the Kryvyi Rih-based publication "Svoi Kryvyi Rih". 7 253 7 Previously in trend: Shelling of the Dnipropetrovsk region
"Knights never abandon their own": following KAB strike on Druzhkivka, soldiers rescued seriously injured cat. VIDEO Following a Russian air strike using guided bombs on Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region, servicemen from the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade, named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, rescued a seriously injured cat. The animal was evacuated from the shelling zone and handed over to vets. 4 199 14 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Russians are selling zebras from "Askania-Nova" nature reserve: animals are caught to order, – media reports. PHOTO The occupiers and their collaborators have turned the Ukrainian "Askania-Nova" Biosphere Reserve in the temporarily occupied Kherson region into a hub for illegal business. Advertisements have appeared on Russian online platforms offering rare zebras for sale, which the sellers promise to... 2 270 16 Previously in trend: Cruelty to animals
Animals at Kyiv Zoo were injured as result of Russian strikes. PHOTOS Animals have been injured and buildings damaged at Kyiv Zoo as a result of heavy Russian shelling. 3 561 8 Previously in trend: Shelling of Kyiv Massive combined attack
Group of young men in military uniforms "busified" dog in Odesa. VIDEO In Odesa, representatives of an animal welfare organisation have lodged a complaint with the police regarding a possible case of animal cruelty on Admiralskyi Avenue. According to the activists, a group of people in military uniforms busified a dog, injured it, and then threw it out onto the street. 10 570 173 Previously in trend: mobilization
Russian forces struck zoo in Kharkiv: several animals killed. PHOTO (updated) On Monday, 15 June, Russian forces struck a local zoo in Kharkiv. Some animals have been injured. 6 779 17 Previously in trend: Kharkiv region
Occupiers targeted farm in Sumy region: five workers injured, some animals killed. PHOTO On Friday, 12 June, Russian occupiers carried out a targeted attack on a farm in the Sumy region. Five workers were injured in the attack; some of the animals were killed and others were injured. 1 750 4 Previously in trend: Shelling of Sumy region
Cat rescued in Kyiv after spending three days under rubble following Russian attack. VIDEO A cat injured in the Russian attack on 24 May has been rescued in Kyiv after spending three days under the rubble. The animal, in serious condition, was handed over to veterinarians. 3 483 10 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
"Even in midst of war, life remains highest value": "Strix" fighters rescued roe deer from anti-drone net. VIDEO While on duty in their area of responsibility, border guards from the strike UAV company "STRIX" unit rescued a roe deer that had become entangled in an anti-drone net. 3 691 12 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Soldiers from 13th Brigade of National Guard of Ukraine Khartiia" rescued roe deer that had become entangled in anti-drone net in Kharkiv region. VIDEO A roe deer became entangled in an anti-drone net in the Kharkiv region. 3 679 7 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Cat and dog were evacuated by drone by soldiers of 14th SMB from combat zone: "It’ll be ours. I haven’t flown drone yet, you know". VIDEO Soldiers from the 14th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after Prince Roman the Great carried out a unique rescue operation, in which a dog and a cat played the leading roles. This was reported by Censor.NET. 6 262 18 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Farmers are protesting over culling of thousands of cows in Russian regions. VIDEO Protests are continuing in Russia’s Novosibirsk region over the mass seizure and destruction of livestock. 9 122 43
Dog digs its paws into ice and slides, trying to tear off piece of eliminated occupier’s arm with its teeth. VIDEO 18+ The Russian command continues to throw its soldiers to the slaughter, without even attempting to evacuate the bodies of the dead. As reported by Censor.NET, shocking footage from the Lyman direction has appeared online, showing stray animals feeding on the remains of an occupier. 10 178 23 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Stray dog "raids" treats from Ukrainian UGV delivering food to front line: "We don’t mind. We love dogs.". VIDEO The front is not only the scene of fierce fighting, but also of touching moments that show the unbreakable bond between Ukrainian soldiers and their four-legged friends. Censor.NET reports that a funny video of an "attack" on an AFU logistics platform has been posted online. 12 123 19 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Three "Nivas," two horses: Ukrainian drone attacks Russian army equipment deployment site. VIDEO The technological superiority of Ukrainian drones continues to expose the true state of the "second army of the world, " which increasingly resembles a medieval army. According to Censor.NET, footage of a successful raid on a hangar containing the invaders' equipment has been published online. 5 452 13 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone Military technologies
Russian shelling of Zaporizhzhia damaged dog shelter: many animals were injured. VIDEO+PHOTOS As a result of Russian shelling, a dog shelter in Zaporizhzhia was damaged and many animals were injured. 2 508 3 Previously in trend: Shelling of Zaporizhzhia Animals in combat zone
Monkey with Russian flag jumps on horse in circus arena to song "Forward, Russia!" by Putin supporter Gazmanov. VIDEO Russian propaganda and the entertainment industry continue to demonstrate a specific attitude towards their own state symbols. According to Censor.NET, footage has appeared online from a circus arena showing a "patriotic" act involving animals. 10 440 40 Previously in trend: Russian propaganda
Enemy struck eco-park near Kharkiv with KAB: elite birds killed, lions wounded. PHOTO As a result of the Russian Federation's air strike on the eco-park near Kharkiv, a volunteer was injured, and the winter quarters for predators and the aviary were completely destroyed. Lions were injured. 4 538 13
Russians keep camel at their positions: "Why are you spacing out, Vasily?". VIDEO Video footage has appeared online showing an occupier filming a camel named Vasily at his position. 6 751 15 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Owner of "mini-shelter" in Kyiv region, where 51 animals were tortured, has been arrested The court imposed a preventive measure in the form of detention for the owner of a "mini-shelter" in the village of Kremenyshche, Kyiv region, where animal rights activists found the bodies of 51 tortured animals. 3 865 11 Previously in trend: Cruelty to animals
Four occupiers are drinking water from puddle on all fours: "Let’s drink as much as we can, damn it, and then we’ll figure it out". VIDEO A video has been published online showing four occupiers drinking water from a puddle. 10 134 43
Raccoon dog on Kherson islands feasts on Russian assault trooper. VIDEO On the islands near Kherson, a funny yet symbolic episode was recorded – a raccoon dog was calmly feasting on the remains of a Russian assault trooper. 6 268 8 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Soldiers of 33rd Assault Regiment chased two occupiers to death and turned them into feed for stray cat and dog. VIDEO 18+ On one of the front-line sectors, soldiers of the 3rd Assault Battalion of the 33rd Separate Assault Brigade repelled another assault by occupiers, who try daily to break through Ukraine’s defenses. 7 195 16 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Animals in combat zone
Occupier films Russian military donkey: "What unit are you from, my dear? Wearing vest and helmet… Handsome one". VIDEO A video has surfaced online showing a Russian occupier filming a donkey dressed in Russian army military gear. 8 863 15 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Russia shelled farm in Kharkiv region: 13,000 pigs were killed. PHOTOS Russian troops attacked an agricultural enterprise in the Nova Vodolaha community of the Kharkiv region. 4 457 16 Previously in trend: Shelling of Kharkiv region Animals in combat zone
National Guard troops evacuate cat from "zero" line using ground robotic system. VIDEO Troops from the Khartiia Brigade used a ground robotic system to evacuate a cat named "Prapor." The animal had spent several months on the "zero line", where it was rescued by Ukrainian soldiers. 6 280 15 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Soldiers captured the first Russian "military transport" donkey. VIDEO A video of a Ukrainian soldier leading a donkey along a road has been published online. 11 740 46 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Frontline town of Mezhova in Dnipropetrovsk region suffering from packs of stray animals. VIDEO Packs of abandoned dogs are now a common sight in the frontline town of Mezhova in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Volunteers simply do not have time and are unable to take out the huge number of dogs. 5 187 3 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Occupier shoots horse for fun in occupied Ukrainian village: "I hit all bullets in its head, f#ck". VIDEO 18+ A video of a Russian man shooting a horse with a machine gun in an occupied Ukrainian village has been published online. 22 645 125
Seven horses died at equestrian club near Kyiv as result of night attack by Russian Federation. VIDEO+PHOTOS In the Kyiv region, the stables of the Endurance Horse Sport Club were destroyed during a night attack by Russian drones. 5 814 18 Previously in trend: UAV attack on Kyiv region
Body of Russian assault trooper becomes food for animals. VIDEO 18+ A video has surfaced online showing stray cats feeding on the body of a Russian soldier near a destroyed building on one of the frontline sectors. As Censor.NET reports, the authors of the footage noted that animals that lost their owners and homes are forced to survive on whatever they find —... 6 879 20 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces
Russians use donkeys to carry ammunition: animal hits land mine. VIDEO In the southern direction, another instance of inhumane conduct by Russian troops has been recorded: the occupying forces are using pack animals as "living equipment" to transport ammunition. 7 739 20 Previously in trend: Situation at front Animals in combat zone
Two crows tear apart body of liquidated occupier. VIDEO 18+ A video of two crows pecking at the body of a liquidated occupier has been published online. 7 801 33
Russia attacked Odesa Zoo. Domestic ram was killed. PHOTO On the night of 10 June, Russian troops attacked the territory of the Odesa Zoo with drones. 7 532 25 Previously in trend: Shelling of Odesa
Donkey from Russian army has dropped his cargo and is trying to escape from Russians: "Stop, bitch! Where are you going, f#ck! Stop, f#ck!". VIDEO After the first explosion, the donkey "mobilised" into the Russian army decided to desert and abandon the cargo entrusted to him by the occupiers. 15 569 36 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone Cruelty to animals
Feral pig trying to eat still-living Russian soldier. VIDEO A video was posted online showing a feral pig approaching the Russian's body in search of food and beginning to tear it apart. 18 234 30 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Donkey walking along field road with four Russian occupiers: "F#cking hell. What f#ck you can see here". VIDEO A video showing a donkey and four Russian occupiers walking along a field road has been published online 7 889 52 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Occupiers boast about their new logistics: "No more UAZ vehicles, no more URAL trucks — guys are leading donkey". VIDEO A video was posted online showing three occupiers inspecting a donkey loaded with military equipment. 6 285 30 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Soldier found squirrel in grass and nursed it back to health: "This is kind of rascal we have". VIDEO Serviceman Oleksandr Ptytsia stumbled upon a baby squirrel in the grass and decided to rescue it. 7 924 11 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
Russian stormtrooper on motorbike films accomplice pulling donkey on road. VIDEO A video was posted online showing a Russian stormtrooper on a motorbike filming an accomplice pulling a donkey along a forest road. 9 716 25 Previously in trend: Animals in combat zone
"Shahed" damaged shelter for evacuated domestic animals in Kharkiv region. PHOTOS An enemy UAV damaged a shelter with animals rescued from Donetsk and Kharkiv regions: the animals were not injured. 1 391 1 Previously in trend: Shelling of Kharkiv region
Group of wild pigs eating body of occupier in bushes on left bank of Kherson region. VIDEO A video of wild pigs eating the body of a liquidated occupier in the bushes was posted online. 3 184 11 Previously in trend: War
Ruscists attacked eco-park near Kharkiv: animals died, enclosures destroyed. PHOTO On the night of 3 March, Russian troops attacked the Ecopark near Kharkiv. 4 188 7 Previously in trend: Russian Federation shells ecopark near Kharkiv
Russian army convoy of five horsemen moving through an occupied village. VIDEO A video was posted online showing the movement of a five-horseman column of the Russian army. 23 244 118 Previously in trend: War
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