Ukraine: PETA Germany Is on the Ground Helping Animals

Since Russia invaded Ukraine and continues to attack, hundreds of thousands of people have fled the country. More than 130,000 people are on the run. Many already traumatized people have been and are being faced with the impossible decision of leaving their beloved dogs, cats, and other family members behind due to the protocol for non-commercial movement of companion animals into the E.U. On Friday, a team from PETA Germany traveled to the Polish border to provide on-site assistance: The team has managed to get across the border and is in and around Ukraine, shepherding animals safely out.

This brave woman walked about 60 kms with her beloved cat. She was so exhausted that she couldn’t no longer stand after crossing the border. They are both safe now, and are receiving support from PETA Germany. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/FU3SuOXa5U

— PETA UK (@PETAUK) February 27, 2022

Immediately after arriving at the Polish border, PETA Germany’s team helped Crimsee, the cat photographed above, who was carried by their caring guardian more than 37 miles from the war zone. The woman was so exhausted that she could barely stand.

This cat was carried by a refugee looking for shelter more than 60 kilometers from the war zone.

PETA Germany provided them both with necessary care & supplies.

Humans & animals stuck in Ukraine are debilitated & frightened—they need all the support they can get. pic.twitter.com/Th0TUaZMv8

— PETA (@peta) February 27, 2022

They are both now safe and receiving support from PETA Germany.

PETA Germany’s team also responded to a call for help where several dogs were crossing the border with their human guardians and needed urgent care. All involved were debilitated and frightened.

PETA Entities Call For Safe Passage For People and Companion Animals Into the E.U.

The current regulations for bringing companion animals into the E.U. and the U.K. are impossible for refugees to follow in a state of war: Animals such as dogs and cats must be vaccinated and microchipped to enter the E.U. Unfortunately, many of those who have been forced to flee are not.

But PETA entities worldwide have appealed to the E.U. to temporarily suspend the legal entry requirements for animals at E.U. borders. And mercifully, Hungary, Poland, and Romania have apparently agreed to make entry for animals less bureaucratic. While implementation remains complicated on the ground, PETA Germany is doing everything it can—even befriending guards who display a soft spot for animals—to make the movement of companion animals into the E.U. as feasible and as safe as possible.

UPDATE: Poland, Romania, and Hungary have made it easier for Ukrainians fleeing violence to bring their companion animals to safety!

Other countries need to follow their lead and simplify border restrictions for people and their animals. https://t.co/8L1maIjh9L https://t.co/68W3OD5ZB0

— PETA (@peta) February 26, 2022

PETA U.K. is urging officials to ease entry restrictions so that Ukrainian refugees may enter the U.K. with their animal companions, too.

Food for Animals in Need

Ukraine stores are closed, and supplies are running low, so PETA Germany is bringing food into the country.

PETA Germany made it to the Polish border with a delivery of food & support for Ukrainians & their companion animals in desperate need of protection! 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/yrkjKVegIx

— PETA (@peta) February 27, 2022

In an undertaking with many obstacles, the group has coordinated the delivery of 44,000 pounds of dog and cat food as well as blankets, which will be supplied in the most-affected regions. PETA Germany is doing everything in its power to bring other urgently needed goods into the country as relief supplies.