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Vets for Ukrainian Pets scheme launched
"It will provide a much-needed safety net for families fleeing with their beloved pets" - Ruud Tombrock.
The scheme provides free veterinary care for Ukrainian pets across Europe. 

Thirty-eight European countries, including the UK, will provide free-of-cost veterinary care to the pets of Ukrainian people fleeing the war.

Launched by Humane Society International (HSI) and partners, the service 'Vets for Ukrainian Pets' will cover the treatment costs of up to five dogs, cats, horses or other pets, up to €250 per animal per veterinary surgeon. 

This will help with acute care and medication, rabies and other necessary vaccinations, microchipping and medical examination needed for safe passage through the EU. 

The initiative will run until 21 May 2022, and is open for all licensed veterinary clinics to apply throughout Europe. Clinics wishing to apply can do so at apply.vetsforukraine.com

Executive director of HSI Europe, Ruud Tombrock, commented on the initiative: “In Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since WWII, millions of Ukrainians have had to take the decision to leave their country and flee the war. 

“Along with a few possessions, many are also taking their pet animals, who they cherish as family members. 

“The trauma of war as well as the stress of the evacuation journey, can make animals vulnerable to a variety of illnesses and so HSI’s Vets for Ukrainian Pets program aims to eliminate barriers to accessing veterinary care for the pets of refugees.

“It will provide a much-needed safety net for those families fleeing with their beloved pets so that at no point they feel compelled to leave their pets behind due to concerns about being able to care for them.”

Fully funded by HSI, with support from Mars Incorporated, Vets for Ukrainian Pets will work with Federation of Veterinarians in Europe and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA). 

Veterinary surgeons who participate will be reimbursed by FECAVA in places that the federation has members, including the UK. 

Danny Holmes, FECAVA President Elect said: “We are delighted to partner with Humane Society International and FVE to offer support to refugees’ pets in Europe fleeing the war in Ukraine. 

“It is a testament to the dedication of the veterinary and animal welfare organisations to create such a far-reaching scheme in such a short time.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.