This dramatic footage shows volunteers risking their lives to rescue cats and dogs from flooded areas in the Kherson region of Ukraine after a major dam was destroyed.
Members of Animal Rescue Kharkiv have been navigating the city of Nova Kakhovka by motorboat to rescue stranded animals, many seeking sanctuary on rooftops.
The brave volunteers have rescued more than 150 animals so far. Animal Rescue Kharkiv deployed a team of nine to the region, more than seven hours from their home city, to help where they could.
The team arrived the same evening the dam was destroyed and have already evacuated 153 animals.
Yaryna Vintonuik, a spokesperson for Animal Rescue Kharkiv, said: “In the video you can see the work of rescuers in Kherson.
“After the Russians blew up the dam, people and animals were in mortal danger, so our rescuers went there on the evening of June 6. We managed to save 153 animals there during this time. The rescue operation continues.”
The organization not only rescue cats and dogs, but any animal they come across during the rescue operations.
Yaryna added: “We rescue cats, dogs, ornamental pets like fish, rodents, birds, domestic animals like goats, chickens, horses and wild animals.
“Once the animals are rescued, they are relocated to partners across the country, where they receive treatment and are returned to their owners if possible.
“We evacuate animals from hot spots and de-occupied settlements in the Kharkiv region, Donetsk region, and Luhansk region.
“We go to the war zone three-to-four times-a-week.
“When we go to a war zone, we take food to people who take care of animals there.
“We have repeatedly come under fire, as we work on the front line.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Jessi Rexroad Shull and Alberto Arellano
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