05/21/2026
Bomb Strikes Animal Shelter. Help Is On The Way
Ugolyok Sanctuary in Ukraine was built to save animals from death. Now, it is fighting for survival itself. More than a decade ago, Harmony Fund stood beside Ugolyok founder Alexandra when she fought to save a farm in Balivka and the lives trapped within it. Today she and the animals need our help again.
“I still remember that day,” said Harmony Fund Founder Laura O’Brien. “Alexandra had just returned from seeing the property. She wanted to buy the farm and rescue the many pigs who lived there. When her offer went in, the owner chillingly promised to slaughter every animal before she moved in. Clearly, he did not understand who he was speaking to."
Instead, those animals were saved.With Harmony Fund’s help, that land in Balivka became a sanctuary. Cows, horses, goats, donkeys, dogs, cats, and so many others began living under golden sunsets instead of in the shadow of death.
“The animals that once lived there as property became a part of the fabric of this rescue center,” Laura said. “They soaked in golden sunsets in peace, knowing that tomorrow would not bring butchers who had killed their brothers and sisters, butchers who would never be welcome here again.”
Now, that sanctuary is under attack of a different kind. Two days ago, a heavy missile struck the community of Balivka, destroying every living thing in its path. Many people nearby were killed.
“We are all shocked,” Alexandra shared from her hospital bed, typing into her phone with one hand and an IV inserted into the other. “It was heaven-sent protection that only a few animals died. At this location, there are 106 pigs, 80 cows, 40 horses, ponies and donkeys, 38 cats, and 120 dogs.”
Ugolyok has two other campuses, in Kherson and Dnepr, and there is no possibility of moving animals there. Kherson is under occupation by Russian forces and the Dnepr shelter is 80 Km from the battle zone. Danger is growing.
Now the heartbreaking question is this: Do we repair what war has damaged, or do we help them relocate to safer ground? Safe land in Ukraine is scarce. To move hundreds of large animals to a safer region, it could cost more than $100,000 just to secure land large enough to shelter them, and we're not even sure we can find such a place. Right now, we do not have all the answers. But we do know this: Ugolyok is part of the Harmony Fund rescue family. We have helped save this sanctuary before, and now, in one of its darkest hours, they need us again. Donations will help in either repairing the shelter or relocating the animals. Please understand that this disaster only happened days ago and it takes time to figure out a solution for so many animals. We have made the decision not to share any graphic or upsetting photos as that is always our policy.
https://harmonyfund.org/donation/donate/
