UAnimals, a Ukrainian animal rescue organization that evacuates pets from frontline areas, said a Russian drone hit one of its evacuation vehicles in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast on Friday, injuring a dog and forcing the team to seek shelter.
The group’s teams run regular missions to remove animals from areas under fire, a need that has grown as repeated attacks leave many pets injured, abandoned or trapped in destroyed homes. UAnimals says it has rescued more than 9,000 animals since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Team survives direct strike, dog requires veterinary care
The group said two rescuers and two animals were inside the vehicle at the time of the attack. All survived, but one dog suffered serious wounds and required examination at a veterinary clinic once conditions allowed safe movement.
According to UAnimals, Russian drones attacked the city they were in for several hours, leaving the team and the animals to hide in a nearby yard. The rescuers said they would later undergo medical checks as well.
Second strike on animal rescue vehicles this year
The group noted this was the second direct strike on one of its evacuation vehicles this year. A similar drone attack damaged a UAnimals rescue van in February during another mission near the front line.
UAnimals said its teams conduct weekly evacuation trips in high-risk areas and rely on protective equipment and medical training.
The group said the team left the area with military escort and that it was still assessing the impact of the incident. It also appealed for support to continue its work.
