Over 100 animals taken from shelter in Chernihiv after attack

Consequences of strike on veterinary facility

On 28 October, a Russian drone attacked the "Step to Animals" centre in Chernihiv. As a result of the explosion, two volunteers and one staff member of the facility were injured. One dog died, while another dog and three cats were injured. The premises, where stray animals were treated and cared for daily, sustained significant damage.

Operation completed amidst ruins

At the moment the strike shattered the windows, a dog was lying on the operating table. Veterinarian Anna Kukharenko was performing a procedure to remove a growth. Despite the falling glass and ceiling debris, the doctor managed to complete the operation. "We finished what we had to," she noted later. This episode became an example of a life saved amidst destruction.

Queue of concerned residents

After sustaining damage, the centre's staff appealed for help. City residents began arriving at the scene: some cleared the debris, while others helped board up the shattered windows. A queue of people formed outside, wishing to take the animals home. Residents waited until late at night, ready to take care of the frightened pets who had not yet understood that a disaster had occurred.

Olga, a resident of Chernihiv, saw the announcement and came to take a dog, despite already having one at home. She was ready to take even two animals, explaining that animals need people, and it is difficult for them without them. Thanks to such decisions, over a hundred cats and dogs found temporary shelter on that evening.

Need for further support

As of 29 October, the centre is left with elderly and seriously ill wards, and the premises need to be restored. Staff ask to coordinate visits and not come to the restoration works on their own. A phone number has been provided to contact the team: 063 573 60 20 (calls are accepted from 09:00).

The story of that evening shows that despite their own anxieties and exhaustion, people found the strength to help those in need of protection. Together, they did more than the exhausted centre team could have done alone.