From the frontline city of Orikhiv to Lviv, animal protectors have evacuated 58 cats, dogs, and goats.

On Friday, January 24, animal rights activists from the "Home for Rescued Animals" evacuated 58 animals from the frontline town of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhia region to Lviv. This included 18 goats, 17 dogs, and 23 cats, which were transported in three vans. The head of "Home," Orest Zalypsky, commented to ZAXID.NET that they managed to organize about a dozen evacuations of animals from frontline areas.

“We tried to gather everyone very quickly because you can't stay in one place for more than 10 minutes; it's life-threatening. We returned to Lviv around 3:00 AM today and settled everyone by 4:30. From what we saw in Orikhiv, I can't say that this city will function normally. There isn't a single intact building: if it isn't completely destroyed, it's damaged by debris. However, we heard that there are still about 700 residents there. These are older people who do not want to leave. Also, residents are reluctant to evacuate because they have pets and are not ready to give them up,” said Orest Zalypsky.

Evacuation of animals from Orikhiv in Zaporizhia region. Photo from Orest Zalypsky's page

Zalypsky noted that the "Home" team consisted of six people: there was a driver and a catcher in each vehicle. They were accompanied by locals.

“We specifically went to Orikhiv because fewer volunteers go there. For some reason, the importance of the Zaporizhia front is downplayed. Yet there are many animals that need food. Orikhiv is on the frontline, and behind two hills, the enemy is destroying the city daily,” Zalypsky stated.

To reach Orikhiv, the animal rights activists from "Home" received approval from the Zaporizhia military administration, which provided lists of people willing to give up their animals. According to Orest Zalypsky, the most challenging part was negotiating with the owner of the goats – 68-year-old Viktor Zintchenko.

“He lost all the hay for the animals he had prepared all summer because a shell hit the place where he stored it. We brought 16 goats and there are about 50 more there. The man keeps them in basements and sheds. It's challenging to care for them, and their numbers are increasing. Therefore, they need to be evacuated quickly, or in spring, we will have not 50, but 150 goats,” explained the head of "Home."

The goats evacuated by animal rights activists need medical care. Photo ZAXID.NET

Agreements with Orikhiv residents were also made regarding the dogs and cats. They also evacuated animals they encountered on the streets.

“The puppies we took are very wild. They only know one woman who brought them food daily. There are still two wild puppies left that we couldn't catch. We need to return for them because they are two girls who will eventually give birth. We also took a shepherd dog. This is a dog that neighbors left with the grandfather,” Zalypsky said.

Dogs from Orikhiv, evacuated by the "Home for Rescued Animals." Photo ZAXID.NET

According to the animal rights activist, most animals are in good condition. However, two cats need medical treatment. There is also a dog that has a tumor on its back. Zalypsky mentioned that it is currently difficult to estimate the cost of treatment.

“The goats have severe ear problems. Most likely, it's an infection because they lived in basements where it's damp. Their hooves are dirty, and they scratch their ears,” said the animal rights activist.

Cats from Orikhiv, evacuated to Lviv on January 24. Photo ZAXID.NET

The "Home for Rescued Animals" plans to find homes for all evacuated dogs and cats. As for the goats, they will remain at the shelter.

“If any of the cats or dogs have caught your eye, you can write to us now. The goats will live with another 118 goats we have at a different location. This is outside the city, and they have 14 hectares of free grazing. Mostly, people who want to adopt a domestic animal do not agree to our conditions that it must die naturally. That is precisely why the grandfather did not give up the goats; he was offered to feed them mixed with lamb. In principle, everyone is ready to take a pig from the shelter. But that's until the first Easter. This is not our policy, so all animals that come to the "Home" die naturally,” Zalypsky emphasizes.

He added that the evacuation cost approximately 2 thousand dollars – just the fuel for two vans cost 48 thousand UAH. Zalypsky reported that "Home" is already planning the next evacuation to rescue all the goats and assist people willing to give up their dogs and cats.

You can help the "Home for Rescued Animals" with the following details:

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Charitable Foundation "Home for Rescued Animals"

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