Pet rescue: Russia’s invasion takes huge toll on Ukraine’s animal, as well as human population

Cats, dogs, hamsters and kangaroos are among the animals who have been rescued as the impact of the conflict is felt far beyond the human population, reports Sofia Barbarani

A Ukrainian serviceman tries unsuccessfully to convince a puppy to drink milk as residents wait for distribution of food products in the village of Motyzhyn (AP)

Since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a month ago, countless images of exhausted civilians fleeing war with their pet animals have surfaced. From cats and dogs to guinea pigs, hamsters and even foxes – Ukraine’s love of animals stood out against the backdrop of death, displacement and destruction.

But over the last couple of weeks, photographs of furry pets tucked safely inside their owners’ puffer jackets have been giving way to images of dead dogs piled on top of each other, animal shelters damaged by shelling and collapsed ponies – revealing the extent of the impact of war on Ukraine’s pets and wildlife.

In 2015 PetFood Industry estimated that there were roughly 750,000 dogs and 5.5 million cats in Ukraine, in addition to cattle, wild and zoo animals across the country’s vast expanse.