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 many times, 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.
In this photo taken before the strike, you see one of the special cats at the Ugolyok Shelter who enjoys walking on a harness for exercise. It will be a while before the animals are psychologically ready to relax in their environment again.
Operation Green Pastures Begins
Also, in Ukraine, the Rescue 911 Shelter in Poltava is receiving help from Harmony Fund to move recently rescued horses to a grazing field where they can finally eat naturally and safely. Right now, feeding them by bringing in hay and supplies costs hundreds of dollars each week—costs that can be greatly reduced if they can graze.
These horses were abandoned by their owner, who fled with Russian forces after de-occupation, leaving them directly on the front line. The stable where they were kept was hit by more than 35 shellings. Some horses were killed, while others suffered shrapnel wounds to their legs and heads.
For months, rescue efforts were delayed as the horses were tied up in a criminal case. With support from the International Red Cross and Ukraine’s “White Angels,” they were finally evacuated to safety.
Now, Harmony Fund is helping give them the peaceful pasture they deserve.
Rescuing Souls in Lebanon
Harmony Fund has sent emergency funds for food to Rescuing Souls Shelter in Lebanon, a rescue center actively saving animals in bombed-out areas. With donations dangerously low, the shelter recently shared that they had only three days of food left for more than 300 rescued dogs, 80 cats, animals in foster care, critical veterinary cases, and starving street dogs they feed daily. Thanks to compassionate supporters, Harmony Fund was able to step in and help provide urgently needed food—bringing relief, hope, and full bowls to animals who have nowhere else to turn.
Spay/Neuter Project Thriving
Our spay/neuter project in Avsallar, Turkey is truly changing lives. In just the last few months, we’ve sterilized approximately 400 cats—a remarkable milestone that could prevent an estimated 3,000 kittens or more, even by conservative standards. That means less suffering, fewer homeless animals, and real long-term impact for this community. But we’re not stopping. Every day, our team also feeds several hundred cats with fresh food and water, while rescuing those who are sick, injured, or hit by cars and rushing them to the vet clinic. This is what lasting change looks like—and together, we keep going.
We need you more than ever.
So much is happening, far too much to squeeze into this blog post.
Our funds are set to run out by August 1st. This takes into account contributions from our monthly donors and the expected amount we can normally raise per month. We don’t yet have a solution, and this is only about 2 months away! Please, if you know any foundations, businesses or philanthropists who can help, send them our way!
