Cats, dogs, parrots and a dog named Raccoon: 105 animals evacuated from Oleshky during humanitarian mission

During the humanitarian mission in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, 105 animals were evacuated alongside their owners, with cats, dogs and four parrots among those rescued.

Source: Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights

Details: On reaching Ukrainian-controlled territory, the animals were met by animal welfare volunteers from the UAnimals team. Ninety of the evacuated animals were temporarily placed in foster care so that they could be seen by a vet.

The pets underwent initial check-ups, laboratory tests and ultrasounds. Animals in a serious condition were prescribed treatment. Some require surgery to extract teeth, repair hernias and carry out other procedures. Neutering and tumour removals are also being carried out, with the owners' consent.

So far, 24 furry friends have already returned to their owners, including three dogs called Rei, Volia and Kaskad.

Quote from Lubinets: "Kaskad is the family's neighbours' dog. They refused to abandon him to his fate and took him with them from Oleshky. Another dog evacuated from Oleshky was pregnant. She survived the arduous journey and even the flight, and since being rescued, she has given birth to four puppies."

Details: All the animals have been issued veterinary passports detailing their vaccinations and parasite treatments. Lubinets noted that for most of these animals, these are the first official documents they have had in their lives.

A Ukrainian woman who left Oleshky said: "We are very happy that our pets are back with us, because we hadn't seen each other for 13 days."

Lubinets had previously reported that a raccoon was evacuated during the mission. However, it later turned out to be a dog with an unusual name – Yenot, Ukrainian for "raccoon".

Background:

• Animal welfare organisation UAnimals reported that the animals had endured a long and difficult journey. Once they were in Ukrainian-controlled territory, the team met them at night, transferred them to special transport and took them to veterinary clinics. Some of the cats and dogs arrived frightened, exhausted and dirty.
• The humanitarian mission in Kherson Oblast concluded on 31 October. According to US First Lady Melania Trump, nearly 800 people were evacuated from Oleshky during the mission.
• Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia (Life) previously reported on what is known about the people who were evacuated from the city.
• Some of the evacuees have now been discharged from hospital and gone to stay with family members and friends.

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