Two dogs, previously subjected to abuse by children in the village of Ozerny, near Izmail, have been rescued and successfully rehomed. The rescue effort was led by volunteer Kristina Dragomaretska, who shared details of the incident with local media.
In January 2026, a video circulated on social media showing children mistreating a dog by throwing it down a slope. Volunteer Tatyana Chebalina was the first to respond to the scene and subsequently brought the animals to the shelter operated by Dragomaretska’s organization, “Misce pid sontsem.”
One of the abused dogs suffered serious injuries, including two pelvic fractures and signs of strangulation. Despite these challenges, the dog survived and gradually recovered. Dragomaretska noted that while the dog did not show aggression towards other animals, it exhibited behavioral issues, particularly a strong reaction to food, likely due to previous neglect.
“He was thrown down the slope more than once, yet he returned to them as if they were his own,” Dragomaretska recounted.
Following medical treatment and rehabilitation, both dogs were placed in new homes. One dog was sent to the United Kingdom, where it was adopted by a family that had previously rescued another dog from Ukraine. The new owners reached out after learning of the dog’s story.
“The dog went to a family that had already adopted from us before. They had that dog for over six months and, after seeing this incident, they said, ‘We’re ready for a second dog,'” Dragomaretska explained.
The Staffordshire Terrier is now living with a military family in Sumy, although they plan to relocate to Chernivtsi. Dragomaretska mentioned that a significant portion of the dogs from their shelter, around 90%, are rehomed abroad, where adoption tends to be more successful.
“Ninety percent of our adoptions usually go overseas. It’s safer, and the people who adopt take their responsibilities seriously. In Europe, mixed-breed dogs are more frequently adopted than in Ukraine,” she stated.
Before being handed over to their new families, the dogs undergo a comprehensive preparation process that includes vaccinations, sterilization, treatment, and grooming. Transportation is organized through trusted carriers, with costs covered by the future owners.
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Two dogs rescued from abuse in Ukraine have found new homes, with one adopted by a family in the UK. The rescue highlights the ongoing efforts of volunteers to rehabilitate and rehome mistreated animals.