More help needed; donations welcome
The Foundation for the Horse, the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), announced today a donation of $50,000 to help horses in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
The Foundation is distributing the money through its partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and its charitable arm BEVA Trust. The groups are collaborating on equine relief efforts in and around Ukraine with two additional organizations, British Vet Professionals for Ukraine, and British Equestrians for Ukraine.
The goal of this partnership and initial $50,000 gift is to support the veterinary and equestrian communities that have “boots on the ground” and are making an immediate impact for all horses and working equids in Ukraine and in neighboring countries to which animals have been evacuated, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.
This aid is made possible by individual donors who responded to the Foundation’s appeal for assistance in March as well as a matching donation by the Foundation.
“This financial support and partnership with the AAEP and its Foundation for the Horse is important, appreciated and needed,” said David Rendle, president-elect of the British Equine Veterinary Association. “Horses and animals have not been spared from the horrific death and destruction in Ukraine. External support is needed urgently to limit their suffering. Monetary support is what is truly needed to allow us to get medical supplies and equipment to veterinarians and horse owners both inside Ukraine and at the border.”
As the devastation sadly continues in Ukraine, many in the equine and veterinary communities have asked how they can help. Through The Foundation for the Horse, you can make a financial gift to support this effort to help horses in Ukraine.
“Our hearts go out to the animals, their owners, and veterinarians impacted by the devastation in Ukraine,” said Dr. Emma Read, president of The Foundation for the Horse and the AAEP. “We are delighted to be partnering with BEVA, an organization of trusted equine veterinarians that we have a long history of working with for not only equine welfare and education, but now direct equine disaster relief.”
The images and reports from Ukraine and border countries are heart-wrenching. While many residents fleeing Ukraine are trying to take their pets and animals with them, thousands of displaced horses, and other animals remain behind and, like the people of Ukraine, need your help.
Visit The Foundation for the Horse to make your disaster gift, especially if you reside in the U.S. or North America. You may also give direct to BEVA Trust to support this combined effort for the horses of Ukraine.
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation in 2021 awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
About BEVA
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is a world leading equine veterinary association committed to championing high standards of equine health and welfare. We advance the veterinary and allied sciences, promote scientific excellence, and educate equine veterinary professionals throughout the world.
Run by a passionate group of equine vets, BEVA promotes and leads the equine veterinary community by providing a platform for discussion and an exchange of ideas on the management, health, and welfare of the horse. To learn more, visit www.beva.org.uk/.
Contact: Keith Kleine
Director of Industry Relations
kkleine@aaep.org or (859) 327-8750