AND just a drama within a drama, the one about pets in war-torn Ukraine. But it is not a negligible drama: just look photos of people who sought refuge in the subways to understand how much dogs and cats and budgies are an integral part of families on the run.
On the subway, with their masters
“Si requires that dogs wear a muzzle, given the large presence of humans and other animals, and that cats remain inside the carriers. I spoke yesterday with a girl who sought refuge underground: with her 2-month-old son, her husband and her dog, Sara “, she explains Valentina Bagnato, International Relations Manager of OIPA International. “Even taking the animal for a walk is an undertaking, to be ventured once a day, at specific times, to reduce the risk to a minimum”.
From today, entering Italy is easier
Leaving the country is a difficult choice, doing it with a furry friend in tow can offer at least a little comfort. “For this reason it is important that owners and animals can stay together even when they are and will be forced to travel”, continues Bagnato: ” last night the Minister of Health Roberto Speranza followed up on our request for a derogation from the European Regulation 576/2013: now entry into Italy is also possible for animals without a European passport (Pet Passport) and related health documentation, a prevailing condition for animals escaped from the conflict “.
Dogs and cats, refugees
Also there federation of veterinarians of the European Union had asked for these entry blocks to be loosened to allow refugees to bring their pets with them and fortunately there have already been many states – among the first Romania, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary – that have done so. Support for refugees, a way to avoid the choice of abandonment. “As an association, we are committed right now to support refugees to complete the prophylaxis in a short time, directly on the territory that will host them,” assured Bagnato.
In the subways of Kiev. EPA / STRINGER
In the shelters in Ukraine the situation is dramatic
From what the associations linked to Oipa International in Ukraine report, the situation is, as imaginable, even more difficult for animals that cannot leave the country, as the director of the municipal shelter and veterinary clinics in Kiev, Natalia Mazur, testified on Facebook.
A photo of the director of the municipal shelter and veterinary clinics in Kiev, Natalia Mazur: «We need help, even for animal nutrition. There are an estimated 500 pets in the kennel: 501 dogs and 77 cats ».
“We try to help shelters and kennels by sending money, so that they can always supply themselves, when possible”, continues Bagnato: “Another important support is what you can give to associations of neighboring countries so that, when refugees arrive, assistance can also be provided to their animals“.
As soon as the situation allows it, Oipa International promises to organize a network of material aid as well as a corridor for the adoption of dogs and cats from Ukraine. Help can be given at this time by using references on this page of Oipa International.