Prize recognises vets' work to help pets during war.
Three veterinary clinics in Ukraine will receive a special award at this year’s International Canine Health Awards in recognition of their efforts to care for pets following the Russian invasion.
Each of the three clinics, from the cities of Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia, will receive a prize of $20,000.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, clinics in the country have continued to operate despite the difficult conditions. Veterinary surgeons have sometimes had to work without electricity or water and with limited medical supplies.
The clinics have worked closely with local shelters and volunteers by providing free treatment and helping run sterilisation and vaccination programmes.
The International Canine Health Awards are organised and run by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust. On top of the prize money, the trust will also be donating £10,000 to the clinics from funds raised as part of its Ukraine Appeal.
Andrey Ponomarenko, director of Sviy Likar clinic in Zaporizhzhia, said: “We express our sincere gratitude for this extraordinary support. Receiving this award is a beacon of hope for homeless animals who suffer daily due to the war.”
Dr Andrew Higgins, chairman of the International Canine Health Awards panel, added: “The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people and of course their animals. We wanted to highlight the dedication and commitment of so many veterinarians working in Ukraine under incredibly difficult circumstances.
“Sadly we cannot reward them all, but we wish to profoundly acknowledge their triumphs over adversity – clinics such as these are a living testimony of the global veterinary oath to protect animal welfare and health and to prevent and relieve animal suffering.”
The awards will be presented at a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, 12 July. Other awards will also be presented, including the Alan Kelly International Award which comes with a prize of $100,000.
Image (C) The Kennel Club Charitable Trust
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