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Ukraine"Lies and cheap PR": who's guilty? |
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As expected, the city-funded stray control organisation “Animals in the City” (AIC) did step up removal of stray cats and dogs from the centre of Kyiv in time for the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest. However, successful lobbying by SPA-SOS (Naturewatch’s partner organisation in Kyiv) meant that the anticipated mass extermination did not take place. Things rapidly turned sour after this success. Kyiv’s Mayor Omelchenko used the mass media to accuse SPA-SOS of “lying and cheap PR”. Following that, they received a letter terminating their rent-free use of a small city centre office within a government building. (This may have been resolved.) Then, a piece was shown on the news for seven consecutive days that made unfounded allegations about the work of the Society: in fact, the footage shown was of Borodyanka, the shelter operated by AIC, which showed sickly, malnourished dogs. Five years ago, a high-ranking city official accused Tamara Tarnawska, president of SPA-SOS, of being involved with the smuggling and sale of narcotics. |
Kyiv hosted the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest, won by Greece's Elena
Paparizou -
but there was continued controversy behind the scenes over the treatment of the city's stray
animals. Image from Wikipedia. |
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She took him to court and won her case: he was forced to make a public apology and pay compensation. Tamara may again be forced to take that route to address the libellous statements made against her and the pioneering work of SPA-SOS.
Stray control goes astray – againHopes for a humane approach to stray control in Kyiv seem doomed to yet more disappointment. “Animals in the City” had tackled the problem with cruel simplicty: they poisoned them. Some years ago, the city authorities found that SPA-SOS’s allegation of corruption within AIC were correct; after that, there were promises of a change in policy. Unfortunately little has changed. Ironically, the costs involved would be sufficient for SPA-SOS to neuter and release every stray in the city. Meeting Ukraine’s First LadyIn June, Tamara was granted a meeting with Kateryna Yushchenko, Ukraine’s First Lady, following a request made by the German Ambassador. Mrs Yushchenko has been a supporter of the work of SOS for a number of years and is keen to see ongoing improvements within this sphere. She therefore expressed her support for Ukraine to officially recognise World Animal Day on 4th October; for Ukraine to sign and ratify the European Animal Welfare Conventions; and for Ukraine adopt its first Animal Protection Bill. Meanwhile, at the SOS Shelter...New Cattery completely finished - The final touches have been added to the new cattery. Internal walls and doors are now in place, additional furniture has been added, and the large outdoor play area has been completely refenced. [See the images of the cattery] Puppy Accommodation - A heated extension has been added to the cattery to accommodate and quarantine the puppies that are found on the street or brought to the shelter – in many cases with their mother. A large run has also been included to allow the puppies space to enjoy the outdoors and play safely. We would particularly like to thank Miss Mary Evans, whose very generous donation enabled building work to commence immediately. Refurbishment of Operating Room - We are also hoping to refurbish the operating room at the shelter which is also in need of some structural work: more on this in later months. Spaying / Neutering Programme - Owing to inflation, Naturewatch had to increase funding of this programme by 25% in order to maintain the sterilisation of 75 animals per month. However, we are also be able to increase the number of animals the programme sterilises each month. As ever, we are hugely grateful to the generosity of supporters for enabling this work to take place. |
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