Abstrakt
On February the 24th, Russian Federation unleashed a full-scale invasion into Ukraine. Bringing about the largest European refugee crisis since World War II, it forced more than 6.4 million Ukrainians to flee their country and another 7.7 millions to displace internally. Many of the refugees were quick to bring their companion animals with them. Interviewed individuals repeatedly higlighted the significance of emotional support provided by their companions. In an unprecedented move, neighbouring countries as well as some other European states lifted their import regulations for domestic animals arriving with the Ukrainians. Meanwhile, volunteers and animal NGOs across Europe organised rescue missions into Ukraine, as well as large-scale adoptions from local shelters in order to vacate them for incoming Ukrainian animals. But most importantly, those staying behind in Ukraine didn't give up on the country's animals. Local volunteers and NGOs rescue and shelter abandoned animals, provide veterinary care and distribute free pet food to locals.
As a historian, one of my research areas is, first, the use of animals in modern wars, and, second, the history of human-cat relationships. From the beginning of the invasion I've been gathering reports and documentations on the status of animals (and their people) in war-ravaged Ukraine. Additionally, being from the Czech Republic, which has seen the arrival of more than 350,000 Ukrainian refugees, allowed me to witness the refugee crisis firsthand. Therefore, with the focused example of cats as refugees and victims of war I'd like to illuminate the ongoing conflict's impact on animals, as well as its human-animal dimension.