As the world remains gripped by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the often-overlooked victims of war are being given a voice in the forthcoming documentary “War Tails.” Produced by Dan Fine of UWARF in collaboration with various animal welfare organizations currently working in Ukraine, the film brings attention to the dire situation faced by pets abandoned amidst the chaos of the Russian invasion.
The film draws attention to the plight of over a million abandoned pets left behind as millions fled their homes, unable to take their animals with them, many families were forced to leave their animal companions alone, having to put them to the streets or some were even left to die on chains, or left closed in apartments, with no one to provide food or water.
The documentary follows Dan and Tana of UWARF as they embark on missions to provide aid to the dogs and cats of Ukraine, working with various animal welfare organisations working in Ukraine. Through their efforts, over 8,000 animals have been sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped. “War Tails” aims to highlight the challenges kind-hearted rescuers like Krystina, featured in the film, encounter in managing this crisis and to inspire action and support from communities around the world.
“When the Russians invaded Ukraine, the whole World watched in horror as respectable people were forced to become refugees, yet no one saw the millions of abandoned and displaced animals left behind, fighting to survive amidst the chaos,” explains Michelle Jones, co-founder of K9 Rescue International who are hosting this event in London. “Many are wandering the streets alone in desperate need of help, and the crisis is worsening day by day.”
UWARF, a registered Foundation in the USA, partners with veterinarians, nonprofits, and animal shelters in Ukraine to organize missions and facilitate clinics aimed at addressing the needs of abandoned animals. Their work extends to reuniting, rehoming, and sheltering these animals, as well as building technological solutions to track and monitor volunteer efforts.
K9 Rescue International, a registered Charity in England and Wales number 1152283, as well as a registered Foundation in Ukraine number 45035513, works with rescuers and animal shelters in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, assisting with food, medical aid and emergency care, as well as advice and support on the rescue, care and rehoming of abandoned animals.
UWARF and K9 Rescue International hope that attendees of the War Tails Documentary will appreciate the message of the film. As this is a pre-screening event, attendees will be sent a short questionnaire about their experience of the film – this feedback will help the team finalise the documentary in readiness for its official film première.
