Situation in Ukraine

ADCH, like everyone, is horrified and concerned at the emerging and ongoing crisis in Ukraine resulting from the Russian invasion. Some members may work with Ukrainian organisations and some support shelters and rescue work in Ukraine.

ADCH is closely monitoring the situation. There is a programme, through our colleagues in Eurogroup for Animals, of checking the safety and needs of dog and cat rescuers in Ukraine.  Eurogroup are also taking donations to be passed on solely to help Ukrainian dogs and cats. This can be accessed through their website www.eurogroupforanimals.org. Some of our members are already making donations which help those affected.

The UK government has recently announced a new scheme that will allow communities, private sponsors (which we hope could include employers) or local authorities to sponsor people to come to the UK from Ukraine. This new scheme is not open yet and we are awaiting further details. The BVA has announced that they will be recognising Ukrainian veterinary qualifications. ADCH Members wishing to use this scheme are asked to keep ADCH informed please, so that we can share experiences.

Finally, we are monitoring the situation with cats and dogs being brought across the border with fleeing refugees. We are monitoring the European Commission animal health import rules and those of the UK. ADCH is in liaison with DEFRA and the Irish Government to inform them of our position.

ADCH can well understand our members wanting to import Ukrainian dogs and cats. We also understand some members will wish to import from border countries such as Romania to free up space in those shelters for Ukrainian dogs and cats. We want to emphasize that ADCH has clear rules on importing dogs and cats into the UK which are above minimum UK standards. Any members wishing to import should continue to follow these rules; they are there to protect the health of the UK’s animals, their people, the UK’s disease free status and protect animal welfare.

Do please get in touch if you have any questions. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the current situation.