As the situation is still unsettled and evolving rapidly, the charity’s current focus is very much around information gathering – working through partners who are on the ground – to try to identify how we might be able to help in practice (e.g. providing funds, veterinary medicines or feedstuffs).
To do this, World Horse Welfare has joined the Eurogroup for Animals taskforce on Ukraine and is liaising with the European Horse Network, the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE) and the FEI. The FEI has already pledged £800,000 for the Ukrainian equestrian sector. World Horse Welfare is also receiving useful information from a partner organisation in Romania.
Clearly there are so many different and often competing priorities in a situation like this. But having a coordinated approach will be essential if we are to get to those (people and animals) in greatest need. Working in partnership we will endeavour to do just that.