Like many others, Border Terrier Welfare have been saddened by the horrifying events unfolding from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The cost of both human and animal life is just devastating, along with the displacement of those trying to flee the violence and oppression.
As a Registered Charity, Border Terrier Welfare's remit is limited to work only within the UK and therefore does not have the experience, network or skills to operate across borders in Europe. Obviously, should any Border Terrier & owner need support once in the UK, as always we are ready to assist where we can. However, we believe that support further afield is best left to experts who are well placed to offer appropriate support to those facing unimaginable hardships both in Ukraine and neighbouring European countries.
As an organisation, Border Terrier Welfare are therefore supporting The Kennel Club Appeal for Ukraine and are in accord with the statement from their Chairman, Tony Allcock OBE on wider measures.
The Kennel Club Appeal for Ukraine
The Kennel Club have announced the launch of their Appeal for Ukraine.
"The Kennel Club shares the world’s dismay and devastation at the horrifying atrocities being witnessed in Ukraine, following the invasion by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and as a result we recently announced that no exhibitors living in Russia will be allowed to compete at Crufts 2022.These actions are a violation of human rights that are leaving those people in our canine community, and beyond fearing for their lives and as an organisation focussed on animal welfare our hearts are also breaking for all the dogs and animals affected by this invasion." says Tony Allcock OB, Chairman of The Kennel Club.
He goes on to explain that they will be donating £25,000 via the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which will be matched by The Trust itself, giving a total of £50,000 to the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale), which is in a position via its network of Kennel Clubs in both Ukraine and bordering countries of Poland and Hungary, to help those breeders, owners and their dogs, who are desperately in need.
Those who wish to donate money towards helping dogs and their owners in Ukraine may do by clicking on the graphic below to be taken to The Kennel Club website.
In addition, they announced all money donated to The Kennel Club Charitable Trust between now and the end of Crufts at midnight on 13 March 2022 will be ring-fenced for the Ukrainian appeal and thereafter will remain as a donation option. Kennel Club Charitable Trust collection points will also be on Kennel Club stands at Crufts.
Further steps reflecting the condemnation of the invasion
Tony Allcock's statement goes on to say they are also taking a series of further steps to ensure that our condemnation of this attack is reflected throughout all areas of The Kennel Club's work, although with heavy hearts and with full recognition that this is a war driven by the leaders of the country and not the people.
Going forwards and until further notice:
- Judges licensed by the Russian/Belarusian Kennel Federations will no longer be able to judge at Kennel Club shows and events
- Entry to all Kennel Club competitions (including and beyond Crufts 2022) will no longer be allowed by those living in Russia and Belarus
- Judges and exhibitors are strongly advised not to judge or exhibit at canine events in Russia/Belarus, out of respect for the current situation, and in line with government guidance about the safety of travel and Russian qualifying shows for Crufts 2023 have been withdrawn
- The Kennel Club will no longer accept Authority to Compete applications from these countries, which allow overseas dogs to compete at shows
- Licensed shows and events will be strongly advised to no longer allow exhibitors living in Russia/Belarus to their shows, by applying the regulation of the right to refuse entry
- Import registrations from and exports to Russia and Belarus will be refused
To read the full statement, please visit The Kennel Club's website.
