Naturewatch - Lithuania animal welfare - Appeal for the animals of Lithuania

Appeal for the animals of Lithuania - July 2007

It is now four years since our last appeal for the animals of Lithuania. We know you will be very proud of the truly excellent work undertaken, and what has been achieved during that time – none of which would have been possible without the support of animal lovers such as yourself.

It was back in 1994 when we first heard of the terrible hardship endured by the animals following Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Soviet Union. We immediately asked supporters to help and many thousands did not hesitate to answer our call. At that time there were no veterinary supplies of any description, no animal protection laws and only a fledgling national animal welfare society. We were able to assist by supplying new veterinary equipment, medicines for the animals and funded staffing and running costs. At that time, our part-time representative in Lithuania became full-time and was seconded to assist Lithuania’s national society commence pioneering animal welfare activities.

Introduction of animal protection legislation

Within a few short years a national animal protection law was passed, all EU animal welfare directives were put into place and close co-operation was developed with the State Veterinary Service. A central office was rented within the grounds of the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy in Kaunas and in 2000 a wildlife rehabilitation centre was established. Since 1994, many thousands of sick and injured animals and birds have been rescued, treated and released back into the wild.

The Lithuanian team comprises of two full-time vets and three rescue staff (see photo right). They are on call 24 hours, 7 days a week answering all animal emergencies. No animal is ever refused treatment or assistance. All manner of species have passed through the rescue centre, from sick cats and dogs through to swans frozen on the winter lakes. All receive expert attention and live saving treatment. (See photo below of Dr Ben on night-time rescue call.)

In addition, the importance of campaigning on animal welfare issues is always at the forefront. Currently the issues of travelling circuses, hunting, and the keeping of exotic animals are all actively being discussed with the relevant authorities.

Education work on animal welfare matters

A teacher’s resource book for schoolchildren was created by a volunteer team of teachers over a one year period.b It was officially approved by the Ministry of Education and copies sent to every school in Lithuania.

A refurbished education centre at the national zoo was funded and many thousands of children attend lessons every year where they learn about animals and how to treat them with respect and love (see photo below).

The greatest influence for improving the future lives of animals and their welfare are today’s veterinary students and, at the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, a modern library specialising in improving the lives of both farm and domestic animals was funded. This project also included the provision of computer technology. Veterinary students now have access to the very latest techniques and ideas on enhancing and improving the lives of animals. Throughout the year, many of the veterinary students volunteer to help the society. It’s good for the students and it’s good for the society and, of course, every penny counts so it helps funds go that bit farther.

Our hopes for a better future and an end to cruelty to animals will benefit considerably from these young veterinarians, many of whom will join the State Veterinary Service after graduation. They will then be in a position to help lobby for improved welfare standards for the benefit of countless animals.

The animals of Lithuania have professional and dedicated friends. Despite the early days being very, very difficult, today the hard work and unfailing desire to help has reaped huge rewards for the animals. Photo below: Any problems? - free check-up!

Our funds for Lithuania are now very nearly exhausted and so we would be most grateful if you could send a donation to help support our work. There are several large expenses that need to be covered in the very near future: the rescue vehicle needs to be replaced; the treatment facilities need to be expanded as the number of patients continue to increase, and, of course; we have to maintain the daily veterinary supplies and fund the day to day running costs

Your gift for the animals is absolutely vital. You can see the great results achieved in recent years, so please do give whatever you can afford for this special appeal for the animals of Lithuania..

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for your wonderful support.

Click HERE to see a photo gallery of our work in Lithuania.

MAKE A DONATION

If you have a UK bank or building society account you can either:

Send a cheque/postal order made payable to ‘Naturewatch Foundation’ to our office in Cheltenham: Naturewatch Foundation, 14 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham,GL52 6AA, or

Telephone our office on 01242 252871 and make a credit/debit card donation over the phone.

FOR THE ATTENTION OF OVERSEAS SUPPORTERS

Due to exorbitant bank charges incurred when processing cheques drawn on overseas banks, we can only accept donations made by Mastercard or Visa credit card (not debit card). You can either make a donation by ringing our office on +44 1242 252871 or you can send a written authorisation for us to debit your credit card including the following details: the amount you wish us to debit, your full name, address, card number, issue number, date of expiry, your name as it appears on your card, your signature and your security code (last 3 numbers on the signature strip). Thank you for your co-operation and we regret any inconvenience this may cause.

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR WORK

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