Canadian volunteer who rescued hundreds of animals is killed in Russian drone strike in Donetsk Oblast

Canadian volunteer Jesse Adams, who rescued animals and helped people in Ukraine, has been killed by a Russian drone strike while evacuating animals in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: the Animal Rescue Kharkiv community

Details: Jesse's vehicle was struck by a Russian FPV drone.

In Canada, Jesse had founded the RainCoast Dog Rescue Society, which is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals. In Ukraine, he helped evacuate animals and assist residents of frontline settlements.

"When someone travels halfway across the world to work alongside you in some of the most challenging conditions, it means more than words can express. Thanks to Jesse, hundreds of animals are alive today," Ukrainian volunteers said.

A few days before his death, Jesse reported that his group of volunteers had rescued 80 dogs and cats in Kramatorsk in a single day. He urged people not to forget the people and animals in Ukraine who need help.

Jesse wrote: "These poor animals do not understand war and are simply innocent victims of another country invading Ukraine. Each day more and more innocent civilians and animals are injured or killed by drones, bombs, and missile attacks.

Some of these animals' owners were killed, some are being evacuated to be reunited with their families to a safer region of Ukraine, some have been asked to be rehomed, and others are strays struggling to survive in a place that causes a lot of damage and suffering.

It breaks my heart that we even have to do this type of work, but it is my privilege and honour to be a small part of helping these animals reach a better life for themselves and their families, or to be adopted into new families."

On 25 October, Jesse was getting another group of animals ready for evacuation. No sooner had the animals been loaded into the vehicle than it was attacked by a Russian drone. The strike hit the windscreen, leaving Jesse with severe injuries.

He was taken to the local hospital straight away. Doctors tried to resuscitate him and performed emergency surgery, but they were unable to save him.

The Animal Rescue Kharkiv community said: "Jesse, it's been an honour for us to work alongside you. We will always remember you as a kind, compassionate and truly extraordinary person. We will miss you dearly.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Jesse. We are so grateful for the time we spent with him, for his courage, and for every life he helped us save."

Background: In July, animal rescue volunteer Olha Kuzmenko was killed in Druzhkivka, Donetsk Oblast, when a guided aerial bomb struck the city.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!