“In light of this situation, as a responsible business, we cannot sit on the sidelines. On Monday, we urgently contacted animal care organisations and we collected essential goods in our warehouse based on the lists we were provided. Today, we are shipping them out to four organisations sheltering the most animals. However, seeing that illegal kennels keep being discovered and the number of rescued animals continues to rise, we also invite our customers to join in and share their goodwill. 5% of all pet goods purchased will be set aside to support such organisations. With this initiative, we want to encourage everybody not only to love your own pets, but also to help others,” Pigu.lt marketing head Ernestas Kačerauskas says.
According to E. Kačerauskas, free delivery for pet goods will also be offered this week. The hope is to help supply other animal care organisations operating in Lithuania with essential goods.
Food and cleaning goods needed the most
Penkta Koja head Agnė Volockytė explains that currently, their sheltered animals are most in need of good quality food, collars, and leashes. Animal shelters are also very much in need of disposable mats, gloves, cleaning and washing supplies. According to her, these goods could help increase comfort for the harmed animals and improve conditions for their recovery.
“We have known of this problem of illegal kennels for a number of years now, but it is great that people have finally witnessed the real tragedy and scale of the situation. The animals arrive from the illegal kennels to shelters without having been vaccinated or cared for, they are often ill, asocial, and unloved. Over the past few days, we have recovered 17 dogs from the illegal kennel in Marijampolė – they all need constant care and attention,” A. Volockytė says.
She adds that people can contribute not only by contributing supplies and necessities but also by turning up at this or similar shelters: “Animals at the shelters are in need of interaction and attention, they need to be taken on walks and their social skills need developing. As such, we always invite volunteers to turn up and help care for the hurt.”
Hope for improvement in the situation
Nuaro Fondas director Jurgita Gustaitienė concurs that thanks to the public and businesses coming together, dogs found in the most terrible and cruel conditions have already been rescued and are currently living under suitable conditions.
“In recent days, we have sheltered as many as 61 dogs. Currently, all the rescued dogs are suitably taken care of, and we are performing constant clinical testing and monitoring . Unfortunately, some of the animals are in critical condition, we have lost several puppies. Nevertheless, we are very glad that the situation is only improving. We are receiving help not only from private individuals and legal entities, but have also achieved clear and fruitful interinstitutional cooperation to rescue dogs’ lives,” J. Gustaitienė shares.
She emphasises that the support received from individuals and businesses has already greatly contributed to improving the dogs’ welfare, but there is still a lack of supplies to improve the animals’ skin conditions. Meanwhile, the youngest would benefit from beds, where they can calm down and feel safe.
All Pigu.lt customers who buy pet goods, are invited to contribute to help the animals. Animal care organisations and shelters have also posted information on their social media accounts to be able to make contributions directly.
