Kyiv residents are urged to check their vehicles before traveling due to the risk to animals.
The Kyiv City Council is urging drivers to check their vehicles before starting their journey, as animals seek warm places to shelter during the colder months and may hide under or inside cars. The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation advises drivers to inspect their vehicles, knock on the hood, or make a short sound signal to give animals a chance to leave their hiding places.
As the weather gets colder, homeless animals are seeking warm places to spend the night and may hide under cars or even inside them. In this regard, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City Council urges drivers to check their vehicles before starting their journey.
According to the Department, before starting the engine, it is advisable to inspect the vehicle, tap on the hood, or give a short horn to allow the animal to leave its "shelter." If you notice an animal, avoid trying to scare it with sudden movements or loud noises, as it may retreat further. It is recommended to cautiously lure the animal using food.
If it is not possible to help the animal on your own, it is advisable to contact rescuers or volunteers. The Kyiv City Council emphasizes that a few minutes spent checking the vehicle could save the animal's life.
It is possible to help homeless animals by adopting them or by financially supporting animal shelters through donations of food or necessary supplies. More information on how to help animals can be found on the website of the "Kyiv City Hospital of Veterinary Medicine".