Protect Ukraine's Refugee Animals

In the midst of Ukraine's tragic crisis, an overlooked but crucial matter demands attention. Thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing violence have brought their beloved pets, offering solace in the face of despair. Initially, European countries welcomed these animals, understanding the extraordinary circumstances. However, restrictions are looming, putting these innocent lives at risk. As of July 1, many EU countries are reinstating strict regulations, imposing lengthy waiting periods and costly tests. For refugees with urgent needs and traumatized children seeking comfort, pets are indispensable. Pets are family, and they should not face abandonment due to changing rules. While acknowledging the necessity of safeguarding against diseases, a plea is made to EU governments. Extend the initial exceptions, cover expenses for refugee pets, and create a fund for public donations. Sign the petition to let Ukraine's refugee animals live – a testament to our shared humanity. Let Ukraine's refugee animals live! 13,998 have signed Michael Yudanin's petition. Let's get to 15,000! Sign now with a click Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, Europe has opened its doors to millions of Ukrainian refugees. Many of them, people who lost everything, brought along their pets. Dogs, cats, hamsters, roosters and other pets also received a warm welcome: many of the EU countries eased the rules, as they understood the extraordinary nature of this massive human tragedy. Specifically, the EU governments allowed microchipping and vaccinating refugee animals at border crossings, and took on themselves the expenses related to guaranteeing and veterinary supervision. However, starting July 1, most of the EU countries are bringing the restriction back. For example, a rabies antibodies test, as per the usual rules, needs to be taken no less than thirty days after vaccination, and then no less than ninety days need to pass before the animal leaves Ukraine - a total of four months. Yet Ukrainian refugees do not have four months, many don't have even a week - they are fleeing relentless bombardment or trying to escape ruthless violence of Russian soldiers in the occupied territories, many are in need of urgent medical care they are seeking in the West, all are heavily traumatized. However, if they enter the EU with an animal without the requisite tests and the four months wait, they face a choice: covering a four month quarantine which costs up to 4,500 euro or euthanasia. Needless to say, the vast majority of them do not have the money. Pets don't start wars, they are helpless against human cruelty, shocked by bombs and missiles, and are entirely dependent on us for their survival.  Pets are family. They cannot be just abandoned because of changing rules. Their trust is invested with us, and we are responsible for protecting them.  Refugees, especially refugee children who make the bulk of those fleeing Ukraine, are deeply traumatized. Most of them lost everything they'd ever owned, many lost their loved ones. Pets provide the most important comfort amidst this despair. At times, a cat or a dog are the only friends left for a refugee child, the only connection to the normal life that went up in flames for a refugee family. We fully understand the need to protect EU countries from rabies and other zoonotic diseases. We solidarize with this need and admire the attention EU governments pay to this issue. Yet a solution needs to be found for refugee animals. Thus, we are asking EU governments: Extend the exceptions enacted at the start of the war until the end of hostilities Cover the expenses related to microchipping, vaccinating, and guaranteeing refugee pets Create a centralized foundation that will allow private citizens and organizations to donate money in order to ease the burden on the taxpayer. Animals are the measure of our humanity. We cannot fail them! Rubikus and other people who care Sign now with a click Visit petition page Victories Every Day – 100% Funded by You Not beholden to politics or power brokers, Change.org is free for people everywhere to make change. Every day there are real victories for issues you care about, only possible because we are 100% funded by everyday people like you. Will you stand with us to protect the power of everyday people to make a difference? Support Change.org At Change.org, we believe in the voice of everyday people. Is there something that you want to change? 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