On March 7, 2016, Oleksandr Todorchuk created a social media page called UAnimals. That’s how the story of this animal welfare movement began. For 9 years, UAnimals has been giving animals a voice — working to ensure that animal rights are respected across Ukraine.
The movement started with Oleksandr’s initiative to ban the use of animals in circuses. Since 2017, UAnimals has organized the Annual March for Animal Rights, which has grown into one of the largest animal rights events in Europe.
2021 brought important legislative victories. Thanks to the work of activists, UAnimals, and the cross-party group Humane Country, Law 1684-IX was adopted, strengthening penalties for animal cruelty, banning photo services with animals and begging with animals. The law also prohibited the use of animals in traveling exhibitions.
February 2022 changed everything — including for UAnimals. When russia’s full-scale invasion began, the organization didn’t stop. Instead, they started evacuating animals from frontline areas — not just cats and dogs, but also farm animals, lions, camels, badgers, foxes, and even snakes. In 2024 alone, UAnimals evacuated 2,831 animals from combat zones.
Today, UAnimals has grown into a complex organization with many branches and projects.
Here are just a few of their initiatives:
- Regular veterinary missions to frontline areas
- The Animal Blood Donation Platform
- UAnimals Media, an online publication
- Animalism by UAnimals, a charity shop
- The international campaign #StopEcocideUkraine
- A volunteer community
- The Holiday Platform
- The All-Ukrainian Animal Rights Award
- The Humane Book Literary Award
But the most important part of UAnimals is the caring people who donate, volunteer, and help in any way they can.
Want to give animals a voice alongside UAnimals? Join the Animal Rescue Club — this way, you’ll be part of every good deed!
