"People are leaving their pets behind, not because they want to but because they have to."
These are the words from Barbara Polonara who has been coordinating collections with charities in Ukraine to help animals suffering in the warzone.
The Bracknell teacher started collections as soon as the news broke out of the Russian invasion two weeks ago.
With the help of a security close protection officer friend in Hastings, Barbara is organising a collection of pet food to be transported to the Polish borders and into Lviv, Ukraine.
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She said: "It all started on Facebook as there is a group to help animals in Ukraine but mainly dogs and cats, which is great but I spotted a gap in help for smaller pets.
"Me being me -- a lover of animals, I wanted to help and I know a person in Hastings whose a security close protection officer and is used to large operations. He's in Ukraine as we speak.
"As soon as war was declared I thought things are going to get rough. The key is when things happen it has be sorted. So an email was sent around and the headteacher was happy to open doors to collections. The school was overhwelmed with donations and lots of people have contacted me wanting to drop things off.
Barbara has already received donations for pet food and medical supplies from kind members of the Bracknell community.
The SEND teacher at Brakenhale School also coordinated collections in Ludlin, Poland on Saturday, March 12, for a van to bring aide to small pets in Lviv, Ukraine.
She explined how small pets in particular are receiving little coverage, as most of the national and international help is aimed at larger pets.
"We are trying to gather provisions especially for smaller pets, to be transported from Hastings on the first week of April", Barbara said.
Now the 49-year-old is looking to fill two large vans with items Ukrainians are specifically asking for by April 1.
These items include:
- Rabbit dry food
- Guinea Pig dry food (urgent)
- Grains for chickens
- Critical Care rescue powder for small rodents (urgent)
- Beaphar anti parasite spot on for rabbits and guinea pigs (urgent, available at Pets at Home)
- Dry cat food
- Feeding syringes
- Cat/small pet carriers
Ms Polonara added: "People are carrying pets with them and are having to walk with just one shopping bag and a pet carrier. Pets are not allowed on public transport as they take up too much space and there's so many people trying to escape. This is what I've heard from people out there.
"A lot of people are leaving their pets in their flats because they're not allowed in shelters either. They're just leaving them at home with as much food as possible so they dont starve and die.
"Food is running out though and people are being cut off. One person told me they opened a can of tuna to eat and dogs skinny as anything lined up next to her. This is a war where bridges are being bombarded and hospitals. I'm feeling really upset espcially two years after Covid - haven't we suffered enough? This shouldn't be happening."
Brakenhale School in Rectory Lane is opening as a temporary drop off point next week. Donations must be marked with ‘Ukraine appeal'.
There is another drop off at The Happy Hedgehog Rescue, 26 Cranford Park Drive, Yateley, GU46 6JR if you wish to donate there.
If you'd like to donate online click here.
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