Zoopatron in action: how one team is building a safe city

In the city of Novomoskovsk in the Dnipropetrovsk region, an extremely important initiative is under way that has taken on managing the population of stray animals. The "Zoopatron" team, which carries out this work, became one of the winners of the fundraising challenge. We asked team captain Daria Bobro to tell us more about their mission.

"Zoopatron" was created at a meeting of the city executive committee, where activists who share common beliefs about the humane treatment of animals came together. Daria notes that the main goal of their work is "to reduce the number of stray animals in the city, ensure the safe coexistence of people and animals, and create a safe city." The team consists of four core members, including Daria, who coordinates the work, two veterinarians responsible for sterilisation and vaccination, and a catcher who helps capture the animals.

"Zoopatron" differs from other organisations in Novomoskovsk in its particular focus. Daria stresses that their initiative helps not only to reduce the number of stray animals but also to significantly lower the risk of diseases that animals can transmit to people. However, it does not come without challenges: "The main risks are power outages. But we have generators and constantly monitor the situation," says Daria.

The team plans to fundraise actively by attracting funds from the budget, seeking donors, and cooperating with organisations that run sterilisation programmes. According to Daria, taking part in the fundraising challenge gave the "Zoopatron" team valuable knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly help in future projects. "FUNdraiser helped us obtain the resources to achieve our goals and opened access to new ideas, methods, and approaches," Daria shares.

The work of the "Zoopatron" team has a significant positive impact on the community of Novomoskovsk. Thanks to their efforts, the streets are becoming safer and the relationship between people and animals more harmonious. Moreover, reducing the number of stray animals helps lower the incidence of deadly diseases being transmitted from animals to people. As for the future, Daria enthusiastically talks about plans to develop and scale the project: "We have already invited one of the well-known animal protection organisations to visit us to carry out additional sterilisation activities."

Addressing other youth teams striving for change, Daria advises: "Move forward more boldly, try things, and gain experience! The main thing is to have a great team, then everything will definitely work out."

In closing, the "Zoopatron" team expresses gratitude to everyone who supports their initiative and hopes for continued cooperation with the community, volunteers, and organisations to achieve their goal, to create a city where people and animals can coexist safely.

This project is a vivid example of how animal protection can change not only the lives of stray animals but of the entire community. It is precisely such small steps that lead to great positive changes in society.