Animal charities are coming together to reunite pets and owners – separated by war in Ukraine. Animal welfare charity, Blue Cross, has been supporting partners overseas who are working to keep pets with their owners, and help those left behind after 17 months of conflict with Russia.
As of today, more than 1,000 owners have been helped at the border with their pets, while 741 tonnes of pet food have also been donated to help the dogs and cats yet to be rescued.
And this emotive video tells the tale of some of these creatures, including lovable Tymon – who at one point was so petrified he wasn’t even able to walk.
Tymon was one of 30 dogs rescued by Save the Dogs from a shelter bombed by the Russian army.
In support of their efforts in Ukraine, online betting operator Lottoland is matching any amount raised via its Blue Cross Charity Scratchcard throughout July.
Any funding raised will be put towards medical supplies for stranded pets – such as flea and worming treatments, housing and warmth, pet food, and care for the thousands of puppies and kittens that are being born as a result of missed sterilisation appointments.
Anna Wade, public affairs manager from Blue Cross, said: “In 1912, The Blue Cross Fund was set up to assist animals during the Balkan War.
“This long history of caring for animals in times of conflict led us to launch an urgent appeal to fund care and provide support to Ukrainian pets, and we are so grateful to partners like Lottoland who are helping us carry on this crucial work as the war wages on.”
Nigel Birrell, group CEO at Lottoland, added: “Long before the conflict in Ukraine, the Blue Cross has been doing vital, life-changing work for countless thousands of animals, and the last year and a half has been just another example of what an extraordinary organisation they are.
“We are incredibly proud to be a partner of theirs, and we’re delighted that our charity scratchcard will go some way towards helping to provide support for these animals, who deserve every ounce of care they’ll get in the coming weeks and months.”
