Solutions from Ukraine: volunteers use automatic feeders to aid animals in war zones
Photo: CF "Volunteer Union "PORUCH"
Amidst ongoing hostilities, numerous abandoned animals are stranded in frontline settlements. Hundreds of dogs and cats along the war zone struggle without sustenance and care. Volunteers from the "Volunteer Union PORUCH" charity are addressing this by installing automatic feeders to assist these animals.
Rubryka explores the workings of this philanthropic initiative.
What is the problem?
While distributing humanitarian aid, volunteers consistently cared for and fed the animals. However, they realized that leaving food exposed was inefficient, as dogs and cats consumed it too quickly, and the elements—rain or snow—often spoiled it. This prompted the team to seek a more effective solution.
Photo: Charity Fund "Volunteer Union "PORUCH"
What is the solution?
The idea for the feeders was inspired by an online solution. After experimenting with various options and refining the concept, the volunteers created automatic feeders, enabling animals to access food even when humans are not present.
Already in the spring of 2024, about 100 such feeders were installed in the Donetsk region.
"Every kilogram of feed is a life saved. Feeders are not just structures, they are a symbol of humanity and care. And as long as there are those who are ready to help, the animals have a chance to survive," the volunteers are sure.
The war has posed challenges, with 70% of the feeders now in occupied territory. Additionally, safety concerns complicate food delivery to remote areas, and ongoing funding is required monthly to procure feed.
Photo: CF "Volunteer Union "PORUCH"
How does it work?
Despite these challenges, the initiative persists—"PORUCH" continues to supply feed to accessible locations. Moreover, the volunteers are actively broadening their reach, recently dispatching feeders and food to Kherson, Kamiansky in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Druzhkivka, and the village of Oleksandrivka in the Donetsk region.
Volunteers also continue to support points in Kramatorsk, Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka and Rodynske, where they managed to replenish food supplies.
Photo: CF "Volunteer Union "PORUCH"
In total, 5080 kg of food was donated in 2024, which allowed saving more than 500 homeless animals.
"Our goal is to expand the network of feeders and provide animals with food in new, still accessible areas. We understand how important it is not to leave our tailed friends without help in these difficult times. Therefore, we continue to work on creating new feeders that will help save the lives of animals in danger," Rusana Sharlay, co-founder of CF "Volunteer Union "PORUCH," says.
The plan is also to create a map of feeders so that other volunteers can also deliver food and thus provide the animals with food.
Local residents and volunteers come to the rescue, reporting on the condition of the feeders.
"I live in the frontline zone, but I can't keep all the homeless animals. Thanks to the feeders, they at least have something to eat. I help the volunteers when I can," said Druzhkivka resident Oleksandr.
Photo: CF "Volunteer Union "PORUCH"
"This is not just an initiative – this is real rescue. Without such projects, thousands of animals would simply die," veterinarian Olena says.
What difficulties do volunteers have to overcome?
- Occupation of territories – many feeders remained in areas that are impossible to reach.
- Lack of funding – new funds are needed every month to purchase food.
- Logistical problems – during shelling, it is difficult to deliver food to remote areas.
How to support the initiative?
- Make a Donation: Every hryvnia goes towards purchasing food. Details on the website: www.poruch.org.ua
- Donate Food: You can contribute dry food through volunteers.
- Spread the Information: The more people know about the project, the greater the chances of help.
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