Russian forces target animals on purpose, dozens of species may disappear because of war – UAnimals co-founder

UAnimals co-founder Olha Chevhaniuk stated this on Espreso.

"We were struck by many cases showing that animals are being exterminated purposefully, in addition to dying as a result of hostilities. All these perverse cases where dogs' paws were cut off, when they were hanged, shot, when they hung chickens upside down and left them to die," she said.

The activist emphasized that animals are being killed for no reason.

"This is because of their sick mindset. This is all shocking. It is especially painful to see animals where there are practically no people left. They are all thin, in a terrible condition, and need help, food. There are a lot of terrible cases. What is happening is the ecocide. We speak out so it is recognized at the international level and so Russia pays for it. One day we will achieve that," Chevhaniuk said.

She added that the organization is supported by the President’s and Prosecutor General’s Offices, which record environmental crimes.

"There are already about 130 of them. This is another point Russians should be responsible for – killing animals. In addition to cats and dogs suffering from injuries, hunger and stress due to explosions, entire species may disappear. When the territory is destroyed, forest fires cause damage to natural habitats, unique in some places of Ukraine, valued by the whole world. This is all a chain that will affect the ecosystem of the entire planet. Dozens of animal species are now endangered precisely because of the war," she concluded.