PIF organises major donation drive for U-Hearts Foundation in Ukraine

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has sent another lorry load of pet products, which included food and flea and tick treatments, to the U-Hearts Foundation in Ukraine.

The U-Hearts project works to protect the thousands of animals abandoned and affected by the ongoing Russian invasion.

Johnsons Veterinary Products, Mackle Pet Food and Jollyes also provided donations which were integral in ensuring that a full lorry’s worth of supplies could be dispatched.

The Big Biscuit Company’s warehouse was used as a temporary home for these donations as logistical and administrative processes were undertaken.

These essential supplies will directly benefit:

• Pet shelters bearing the brunt of the crisis.
• Volunteers fostering abandoned pets.
• Samaritans feeding stray animals on the streets and territories.
• Kennel clubs dedicated to training service dogs assisting the Ukrainian army.
• Vulnerable pet owners, particularly the elderly and those living in precarious regions.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “This initiative underscores our commitment not just to business, but animal welfare. Our collaboration with U-Hearts has ensured that countless pets in Ukraine, affected by the conflict, are given a fighting chance. Our gratitude goes out to all who have contributed, and we continue to stand with Ukraine during these challenging times.”

Paul Gwynn, managing director of Johnsons Veterinary Products, said: “In the brutal conflict we are witnessing in Ukraine, it will always be the human suffering that grabs the headlines. But it’s important to remember the impact such a situation can have on the stress and wellbeing of pets, and indeed the effect that seeing animals in distress can cause to their owners, or those foster carers looking after abandoned pets.

“Our ethos has always been to deliver the products people need for the pets they love and we are proud to contribute to the global effort to help alleviate the suffering of pets in Ukraine. We hope the pet healthcare products donated will also ease a little of the stress Ukrainians feel when being unable to treat pets for common problems like fleas and worms.”

He added: “It has been a great campaign organised by the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) and it’s good to know our donation has already reached the U-hearts warehouse in Kyiv. We understand it is from here the supplies will be distributed across Ukraine, to bring a little help to the undoubtedly distressed, but ultimately resilient pets of the war-torn country.”