Ukraine: attack destroys pet food for 1,200 shelter animals

More than two tonnes of pet food destined for animal shelters in Ukraine's Sumy region were destroyed in a Russian strike in late June. The consignment had been supplied by the US non-profit Greater Good Charities and was intended to feed 584 cats and 664 dogs. With local supplies already critically low, the loss leaves more than 1,200 animals at increased risk of hunger.

Greater Good Charities has been supporting frontline communities in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. In the Sumy region alone, the organisation works with 29 local animal shelters, rescue organisations and volunteers caring for nearly 3,000 displaced, abandoned and injured animals. Regular deliveries of pet food and essential supplies are intended to free up partners for evacuations, emergency veterinary care and rescue operations.

Martyna Maciejewska, Senior Manager of Field Operations at Greater Good Charities, says strikes are increasingly hitting warehouses, evacuation hubs and transport routes, and that teams have adapted to respond quickly when aid is disrupted: ‘When supplies or equipment are destroyed, we work with our local partners to replace them as rapidly as possible, minimising any interruption to care.’

‘The needs remain immense. So far this year, Greater Good Charities has delivered 22 full truckloads of pet food to Ukraine equating to more than 424 tonnes,’ Maciejewska reported. ‘But demand continues to outpace available resources and so we are always looking for manufacturers, brands, wholesalers, and distributors willing to donate pet food and supplies.’ Maciejewska explicitly points out that short-dated goods in particular can be put to good use, as they can be moved quickly to organisations caring for animals in urgent need.

Financial donations are equally welcome, as flexible funding allows the organisation to react to changing needs, from emergency veterinary care through to rebuilding damaged shelters. Donations and offers of product support: greatergood.org/ukraine-crisis-help-now.