Tragedy in Vinnitsa: four dogs died near the hospital, animal rights activists suspect poisoning
19 September 2025 22:50
Four dead dogs were found on the territory of the Pyrogov Regional Hospital in Vinnytsia. Another one with signs of poisoning was saved – she was hospitalized in a veterinary clinic, where the struggle for life continues. This was reported in the animal protection organization UAnimals, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
The police opened criminal proceedings on the fact of cruel treatment of animals.
Reaction of animal defenders
The organization UAnimals was the first to report the tragedy. According to them, the hospital administration repeatedly appealed to the city authorities with a demand to remove the dogs, and unofficially there were even threats to destroy them.
Animal rights activist Lilia Yurchenko, who dealt with six animals on the territory of the medical institution, said in a comment:
“Both animals had the same symptoms: tongue on the side, foam, blood. This is definitely poisoning.”
Of all the wards, only one dog – Luna – remained alive.
Eyewitness testimonies
Hospital nurse Anastasia confirmed that the animals were calm:
“We fed them, they always ran to us. Calm dogs, did not touch anyone.”
Local residents say that the dogs became a “business card” of the territory: they were seen daily in the park area near the medical center.
Legal aspect
The case was opened under part 1 of article 299 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code of Ukraine – cruel treatment of animals. The law provides for:
- a fine from 17 thousand to 51 thousand UAH,
- or arrest for up to 6 months,
- or restriction of freedom for up to 3 years.
If cruelty is proved in relation to several animals or committed by a group of persons – the punishment may be stricter: from 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.
In practice, this article is rarely applied: according to human rights activists, most cases are closed due to lack of evidence or unwillingness of law enforcement officers to investigate such crimes.
Cases of mass poisoning of dogs in Ukraine are recorded every year. In Kiev, Odessa, Dnipro and Kharkiv, scandals have repeatedly arisen due to the actions of so-called “doghunters”. In 2023, public protests in the capital forced the mayor’s office to allocate additional funds for sterilization and vaccination of stray animals.
Experts believe that the tragedy in Vinnitsa will once again actualize the question of whether the state is ready to actually protect animals and not just declare a humane policy.
