Ukraine

 Supporting the Kyiv Society for the Protection of Animals - SOS (SPA-SOS)

• Our involvement commenced in 1996 when we launched a campaign in the UK that helped to end the barbaric clubbing and skinning of stray dogs in the Ukrainian Capital of Kyiv.
• Since then, the Foundation has helped equip a veterinary unit at the "SOS" shelter to enable the Society to carry out neutering and other small operations.
• In 1997 we launched a neutering programme to ensure all pet owners, however poor, can have their animals neutered. We continue to fund this programme that now includes a very successful neuter and release scheme.
• When necessary, we fund valuable training programmes for "SOS" personnel.
• We provide funds for specific projects undertaken by SPA-SOS and supply essential veterinary drugs and equipment.
• We provide a grant to help cover the administrative costs incurred by the Society.

The Kyiv Society for the Protection of Animals "SOS" (SPA-SOS) continues to spearhead progress within the animal welfare sphere in Kyiv. The Society's activities include:

• close collaboration with governmental bodies (which has already ensured the adoption of Ukraine’s first Animal Protection Bill by the Verkhovna Rada [parliament]) to work towards the Bill's enforcement;
• working with the authorities to reform the city-run stray control organisation that has a history of employing barbaric methods;
• expanding the Society’s existing humane education programme;
• continued use of every media opportunity to increase public awareness of the need for a humane attitude towards animals and the environment; and
• continued promotion of alternative teaching methods in higher education institutes to ensure a reduction in the use of animals.