On April 26th, 1986, there was an explosion at the Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and it is regarded as one of the worst nuclear catastrophes in history with over 120,000 people from 189 towns and villages within a 30-kilometer zone around the power plant having to evacuate. Most of the dogs were left behind and now the descendants of the abandoned dogs are still suffering.

But not anymore. Animal welfare organization Four Paws has teamed up with the American NGO Clean Futures Fund (CFF) to carry out a mass vaccination, as well as spay and neuter effort to protect the abandoned dogs and workers at the plant from rabies, as well as to reduce the population of dogs in the area.

Hundreds of descendants from the nuclear explosion still wander around the Ukrainian ghost town, Pripyat. But now they are finally receiving veterinary care. 

“Rabies is not only a risk for animals, but also for humans. By vaccinating the stray dogs, we are also protecting the 3,500 nuclear power plant workers who come into contact with the dogs and look after them,” Julie Sanders, International Director of Companion Animals Four Paws told Vet Times. 

CFF has an international veterinary team that will carry out the medical treatment of the stray dogs over the next few months. Four Paws has sent an experienced vet and provided the medicines and veterinary equipment needed. 

Thorough research was carried out to reduce health risks the environment poses. All of the dogs will be washed and scrubbed before every medical treatment. Thank you for helping these deserving dogs!

CFF and Four Paws hope to vaccinate and spay and neuter at least 120 dogs living within and around the nuclear power plant. As you can imagine, this is a huge undertaking. If you’d like to contribute to the group’s efforts, you can donate here. Even a dollar would go a long way!

Please, always speak up when you see an animal in need! If you happen to come across a dog or cat, or any other animal, check out these Animal Rescue Hotlines. For more ways on how you can get involved to help save animals, click here. Together, we can end pet homelessness!

Image source: Four Paws/Facebook