# Animal welfare challenges in war-affected Odesa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/animal-welfare-challenges-in-war-affected-odesa
> Updated: 2026-08-24T07:20:15.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In the war-torn city of Odesa, elderly residents are remaining in the conflict zone to care for a growing population of abandoned pets and community strays. Despite frequent heavy bombardments, air raid sirens, and power outages, volunteers such as 74-year-old Olga continue to feed dozens of animals, including approximately 50 cats daily, amidst ruins and debris.

This local effort highlights a broader trend in war-affected regions where residents dedicate limited resources to ensuring the survival of animals that have been displaced or abandoned due to the ongoing conflict.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Wildlife concerns rise in Romania and Ukraine

Authorities in Argeș, Romania, are responding to frequent bear sightings and attacks on domestic animals, while in Odesa, Ukraine, elderly residents continue to care for abandoned animals amidst wartime.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildlife-concerns-rise-in-romania-and-ukraine

### 2026-08-16: Odesa elderly residents care for stray animals during war

Elderly residents in Odesa, Ukraine, are remaining in the war-torn city to care for and feed thousands of abandoned stray cats and dogs amidst ongoing bombardments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odesa-elderly-residents-care-for-stray-animals-during-war

---
Cite as: Animal welfare challenges in war-affected Odesa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/animal-welfare-challenges-in-war-affected-odesa