ROLDA UK

As the war continues in Ukraine we have heard from our partner shelter  who have suffered a great tragedy.

"On February 6, an enemy drone struck our shelter. Thirteen dogs died, two of them later in the clinic. Seven animals underwent surgery, and others received medical help on site. Animals with minor wounds and concussions were treated at the shelter because we could not transport such a large number to the clinic. Only the most critical cases were taken there. Many animals ran away because the blast wave tore off the enclosure doors and the dogs simply fled. For several days we searched for them throughout the surrounding areas of the city. As of today, all the animals have been found and are back in the shelter.

The strike happened at around 9 a.m. There were five workers at the shelter, and they were saved because at that moment they were inside the building changing clothes. Our employee Yana was just entering the building when the blast wave cut her abdomen and legs. She is now in the hospital. She has undergone two surgeries, and at present her life is no longer in danger.

A large area has been destroyed — a building, enclosures, and doghouses are ruined, and much property has been damaged. We have already managed to get through the first days of clearing the debris, and now we are beginning to rebuild the shelter. In the destroyed building, almost everything burned down: our food supplies, equipment, and medicines. The roof was damaged, and the blast wave blew out doors and windows. The only part that was not affected is the section with the enclosures that we built thanks to you.

We continue treating the animals, have partially rebuilt the shelter fence that was most damaged, and still need to restore damaged enclosures and build new ones to replace those destroyed.

Sadly, the dog from the video you sent did not survive — our Zhuzha died from her injuries. The dog Moska (pictured above) is now staying in temporary foster care; she is fine and was not injured.

Despite the shelling, there is no evacuation of the city; underground schools and kindergartens are operating for children. The shelter still holds its weekend dog-walking initiative, just as it has for the past eight years. People come — refugees and soldiers — and while spending time with the animals, they can briefly escape the reality of our lives.

Many people are leaving the city because it is literally unsafe to live here. Trains no longer run to Zaporizhzhia, and shops are closing, but we continue to work and look for ways to overcome this situation."

We are deeply saddened that this has happened to our friends, both human and furry.

Please will you help us to help them rebuild and recover?

It's been over 3 years since the war in Ukraine broke out and while media coverage has lessened significantly over the last few years, that doesn't mean that people and animals don't need help.

At ROLDA, we are continuing to provide ongoing financial support and resources to animal rescuers on the frontlines in communities that have been destroyed by this war.

We know it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by how to even begin helping the animals suffering in these types of situations, but you can help save animals no matter where you are.

Your lifesaving donation will help us support rescue efforts and go towards supporting the recovery of animals on the frontline and those working to save them.

Remember, you are never too far away to make an impact and no matter how seemingly small your action, it can make a huge difference to the lives of innocent animals.