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UkraineProgress Report July 2007 |
Report written by Tamara Tarnawska, our representative in Ukraine and president of the Kyiv Society for the Proteciton of Animals "SOS" (SPA-SOS)The political and economic situation in Ukraine continues to be most unstable which has a strong influence on progress within the animal welfare sphere in Ukraine. Nevertheless, regardless of the many obstacles put in our path, we continue to move forward albeit slowly. Homeless AnimalsIn early January, the “SOS” president met with Irena Kilchytska, a Kyiv Vice-Mayor, to discuss several animal welfare issues, in particular the apalling cruelty to homeless animals. In February Ms. Kilchytska met with John Ruane, Naturewatch Foundation, Christian Janatsch, Tierhilfswerk Austria, Eberhardt Heyken, former German Ambassador to Ukraine, and Tamara Tarnawska, Kyiv SPA-SOS. The main focus of this meeting was the situation with stray animals which led to a realistic approach to resolving the problems humanely being agreed. A working Commission was formed headed by Ms. Kilchytska and representatives of animal protection organisations and breeding clubs were invited to make up the committee. Once formed, the Commission immediately sent a request to Mayor Chernovetsky asking him to issue a Decree forbidding the use of poison (curare-like substance) by the capture squad of the communal enterprise known as ‘Animals in the City’ based at Borodyanka. Although the new legislation protecting animals that came into force last year makes it illegal for stray animals to be killed inhumanely, it's been widely known that the communal enterprise has continued to use poison because it’s cheaper! Following immense pressure, the city administration agreed to carry out a serious audit of of the work of 'Animals in the City' and its so-called 'shelter' at Borodyanka (locally known as 'the concentration camp for animals'). The audit confirmed all the concerns raised by the Commission, SPA-SOS and other animal wefarists: the organisation has been poisoning animals using an illegal substance and treating animals inhumanely at Borodyanka, Kyiv's municipal shelter. On 4th July, a public hearing (telecast live) took place at Kyiv City Hall on the issues of homeless animals and exotic animals that are being used for commcercial purposes. During the hearing Mayor Chernovetsky announced the firing of 'Animals in the City', Myron Kuchynskyi for his cruel treatment of animals and multiple veterinarian and financial violations. This decision was wildly applauded by those present at the hearing - some 300 persons +. The reaction of Ukraine's citizens was overwhelming - the TV station received literally hundreds of telephone calls leading to the Mayor's decision to hold another public hearing devoted solely to homeless animals. The second hearing took place on 11th July in the presence of Mayor Chernovtsky and his Vice Mayor Irena Kilchytska and was again telecast live. The Mayor supported the proposed mass sterilisation programme and the enlarging of the municipal shelter in Borodyanka for animal sterlisation. The Commission proposed that a veterinary facility should be opened in every city district suitable for the sterilisation and vaccination of 30 - 50 dogs at a time. The dogs would then be released to live out their natural lives in the area from which they were caught under the care of local volunteers. However, the Commision's proposal is currently under review by the Mayor. In order to encourage the Mayor to give the go ahead to this proposal, the Commission has already identified five locations around the city that can easily be transformed into veterinary stations. Exotic animals living in captivity for commercial purposesIt’s also very rewarding that the new animal protection legislation, “Concerning protection of animals from cruel treatment” (direct translation), has already brought good results for animals living in captivity. During the past two years, the Kyiv SPA- SOS has led a campaign to protect animals that are being used for commercial purposes by street photographers, in restaurants to attract guests, and in offices for entertainment. These animals are being cruelly treated in order to break their spirit and make them obey. The poor creatures are being kept in small cages in which they cannot even straighten their tails or wings. In support of our campaign we organised a series of press conferences and gave several interviews to the media. In February 2007, we met with Irena Kilchytska once again and created a Working Group consisting of representatives of the Kyiv City Administration, the Kyiv Veterinary Medicine Department, law enforcement organisations and Kyiv SPA-SOS representatives. The Working Group hit the ground running when “SOS” together with the Kyiv Ecological/Cultural Centre prepared a Decree prohibiting the use of wild animals for commercial purposes. On 7th June Kyiv’s Mayor, Leonid Chernovetsky, signed this Decree. Kyiv ZooThe situation for the animals at Kyiv Zoo is, without exaggeration, nothing less than tragic. During 2006, 130 animals died and so far this year 40 have perished. Some died of illnesses that could have been prevented. Other deaths were caused by the lack of proper care and cruelty inflicted by zoo employees. For instance, the director of the predatory animals department, Mr. Holovin, used rubber bullets to chase a young female bear into the cage of a mature female bear and the young bear was torn to pieces. Mr. Holovin is also guilty of letting his hunting dog loose in the fox enclosure and allowing his dog to tear a fox apart. Within the grounds of the Zoo there are several commercial and entertainment points, such as fairground rides, that have loud music and are open day and night. Also at night there are fireworks to entertain visitors. This noise causes severe distress and heart attacks to rabbits, foxes and several species of birds. On 6th June at the Kyiv City Administration meeting “SOS” president Tamara Tarnawska raised the question of bringing the zoo management to account as well as Mr. Holovin personally. Most of those present at the meeting supported this proposition. At the time of sending this report, this issue is being reviewed by the Mayor. Due to the many bitter experiences over the years in campaigning to improve animal welfare standards at Kyiv Zoo, we feel the time has come for the recent shocking revelations to be brought to the attention of International animal protection organisations including the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Kyiv Zoo is a member of EAZA therefore the organisation is within its rights to take action against the zoo in order to ensure immediate changes are made. Your sincerely PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO
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