PETA Germany has been on the ground in Ukraine since soon after the war began, working with its partners to transport more than 1,300 animals to safety and delivering over 400 tons of supplies to feed more than 100,000 cats, dogs, horses, and donkeys across the country. Most recently, the teams have been working near the Ukrainian border in Hungary to help animal shelters build the necessary infrastructure to provide up to 300 animals at a time with temporary accommodations.

Volunteering With PETA Germany to Help Animals in Ukraine

In late March, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary Director Hervé Breuil traveled from New York to meet PETA Germany’s team at the Ukrainian border in Poland. In May, the sanctuary’s shelter assistant, Brendan Lynch, followed suit and spent two weeks in Hungary, helping animals and their guardians cross the border to safety.

PETA Prime spoke with Brendan about his eventful trip and the memorable animals he encountered:

Hungary has set a strict policy that only five animals per person are allowed when crossing the border. We had no issues going into Ukraine, and Passport and Customs Control processed us quickly. The officials were nice but made sure we didn’t exceed the five animal per person policy. Crossing with animals into Hungary took longer, especially with the slower pace of the Hungarian passport and customs officers. My first trip was with Judith from PETA Germany on May 5, and together, we brought nine cats into Hungary.

For more details about Brendan’s time with PETA Germany, check out his PETA Prime interview.