WATCH Ukrainian refugees facing heartbreak as they are told to rehome their pets with 48 hours’ notice

Ukrainian refugees in Limerick face heartbreak as they are told to rehome their pets with just 48 hours’ notice. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

More than 50 Ukrainian refugees face heartbreak as they said they will be moved to different accommodations sometime before March 17 and must rehome their pets

54 Ukrainian refugees living in Limerick have been given 48 hours’ notice to move to new accommodation and have been informed they will not be able to accommodate their pets in their new home.

For the people affected, the pets are not just animals but are part of their families who came to Ireland fleeing the invasion by Russia.  

Anastasiia Lapko, who came to Ireland alone with her cat Martin, shared how her feline companion is her emotional lifeline, she told Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick, “It’s totally impossible for me because, I won’t leave him alone. Never. This is my best friend and when I came here I got depressed. I would die without him. Literally.”

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As many of the people have lived in the Westbourne Student Accommodation since 2022 and earlier, the thought of leaving their beloved pets behind having settled into the accommodation is creating a sense of anxiety among the community. Vitalia Kozina, another refugee, echoed the sentiments about her pet Damien.

She explained that after fleeing the war in Ukraine, she has suffered from severe anxiety, with Damien, who she has had since he was a puppy, playing a crucial role in her emotional well-being. Vitalia said, “I came to Ireland with my pet. He’s part of my family, it’s my child,” adding that she came to Ireland just with her and Damien, saying, “I got temporary protection for both, and now we should leave without our pets?”

Like Anastasiia, Vitalia was provided with a passport for her pet upon arrival in Ireland, ensuring that her animal was legally brought into the country. Many families now face the heartbreaking reality that having already lost their homes in unimaginable circumstances, they are now being asked to give up their companions who have been with them every step of the way.

Speaking about the reality of parting with Damien, Vitalia said, “No, it’s not possible. I think it’s an inhumane decision. I hope the Government finds a solution for this issue.” Anastasiia highlighted that the group of refugees were very grateful for the welcome and support they have received in Ireland so far, saying, “We are very appreciative to Ireland, to the government, to the people of Ireland.

“It’s the most beautiful country in the world and people are friendly and kind. We are trying very hard to integrate here; we found a lot of friends, we found jobs, studying, and our kids are studying in schools. This situation with pets, it’s very heartbreaking and we would like to figure it out.”

Speaking in support of the families, Richard Lynch said, “I am in support of these people being able to be treated like human beings and take their pets with them if they’re moved to another accommodation. Something has to be done about this.”