The «Spivprostir» contest for journalistic materials invites journalists to contribute to changing the culture of animal treatment

We invite journalists from national and regional media interested in covering topics such as animal rights and protection, ecology, and social responsibility.

The contest's goal is to draw public attention to pressing issues of animal protection, promote the humane treatment of animals, foster an inclusive environment for the comfortable coexistence of animals and people, and encourage responsible pet adoption, which reflects society's maturity.

Proposed thematic directions for writing materials:

• New Life: Stories of pet adoption during the war.
• Human, Animal, Environment: Best practices for equitable coexistence. Experiences from Ukraine and the world.
• Ecocide in Ukraine: Impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity.
• Mutual Support: Stories of rescuing animals (and their humans) in Ukraine.
• Pet-Friendly Nation: Responsible attitudes and barrier-free environments for animals.
• Animal shelters during the war: Challenges and solutions.
• Animals and Corporate Social Responsibility: Animal protection initiatives by Ukrainian businesses.

Topics we encourage you to explore and create materials on:
 

• Four-Pawed Heroes: From combat missions to therapy. Stories of cats and dogs saving the lives of soldiers and civilians during the war.
• Animals with Disabilities: From psychological support to socialization in new conditions.

«We at Kormotech believe that the world should be a comfortable and friendly place for people and animals. We strive to unite those who may think the focus on animal issues is inappropriate now. Those who dedicate their lives to rescuing and protecting animals to achieve the common goal of building a world where every life truly matters, and we are all united by the idea of creating a reliable, safe, and inclusive world of love and respect,» said Alina Smyshliak-Boroda, Chief Reputation Officer at Kormotech. «Last year, we launched a competition for journalists writing about pets. This year and in the future, we plan to continue supporting and developing this initiative so that the voice for our environment remains on the agenda.»

Kormotech has been caring for the lives and well-being of cats and dogs for over 20 years, implementing numerous social initiatives. During this time, more than 14 significant projects have been carried out, including a humane education course for 7th graders, «The Little Prince,» the annual initiative «Take Your Dog to Work,» the Optimeal Expert veterinary school, the free veterinary hotline and online platform Optimeal Expert 9100, the adoption platform Look 4 Paws, and the global chain of assistance for Ukrainian animals affected by the war, Save Pets of Ukraine. Kormotech's primary goal is to change the culture of animal treatment — as family members and companions, not only in Ukraine but also in Eastern Europe.

Globally, the topic of responsible pet care includes various aspects: thoughtful, conscious adoption; physical care, manifested in meeting basic needs such as vaccination, sterilization, and daily nutritious feeding; helping animals at various levels, from state to private; and shifting the paradigm of treating animals as full-fledged companions who can accompany their pet parents anywhere, anytime. The issue of animals affected by war is particularly acute, with challenges around injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and the adoption of stray or shelter animals.

«We want the voices of animals and those who help them to be heard nationally and internationally. This is especially important when the war poses new challenges for people and animals. Rescue stories have not only emotional value. They symbolize dedication, humanity, and strength. Each such case helps more people pay attention to animal issues and contribute to forming a responsible society where every life matters,» said Iryna Lozova, social project coordinator at Kormotech. «Stories of successful adoption of disabled cats and dogs or animals rescued from war zones hold special power. They demonstrate heroism and selflessness and help change the culture of animal treatment.»

«For Internews-Ukraine, partnership in the Spivprostir contest contributes to developing responsible and creative media content that promotes social change. Through participation, journalists will not only highlight issues of humane treatment of animals but also experiment with material formats and improve their skills. We are happy to be part of this,» explained Natalia Rudenko, Operations Director at Internews-Ukraine.

Contest conditions:

1. Publish* material in the media on one of the topics proposed by the organizers between October 8, 2024, and December 1, 2024.
2. Fill out the registration form and send a link to the published material and/or a file with it**.

The deadline for submitting applications is December 4, 2024.

Based on the themes and characteristics of the works, the organizers will select winners who will receive cash prizes: the grand prize—30,000 UAH; prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places—20, 15, and 10 thousand UAH, respectively; and a special award for the most original format—12,000 UAH. Our thematic partner will also select a winner whose article will be published on the official blog of the super-premium cat and dog food brand Optimeal.
 

The contest winners will be awarded at a December 23, 2024 ceremony. The time and place will be announced later.

Organizer of the Competition:
Public Organization "U-Hearts Ukraine"
EDRPOU Code: 45387375
Legal Address: 79026, Ukraine, Lviv Region, Lviv, Lukasha M. St., Building 4a, Apt. 4

General Partner :
Limited Liability Company "Kormotech"
EDRPOU Code: 32673400
Legal Address: 81062, Ukraine, Lviv Region, Yavoriv District, Prilbychi Village

Information Partner:
Public Organization "Internews-Ukraine"
EDRPOU Code: 23731143
Legal Address: 04112, Ukraine, Kyiv, Ryzkaya St., 15

Thematic partner: Super-premium cat and dog food brand Optimeal.
 

Contacts:

Valeriia Volyk, External Communications Manager at Save Pets of Ukraine, +38(063)9859287, [email protected]

Anastasiia Stolyar, External Communications Manager at Kormotech, +38(096)4184102, [email protected]

 CONTEST`S REGULATIONS

*Materials published in print media, official websites of online media, or broadcast on television or radio between October 8, 2024, and December 1, 2024, are eligible for participation. The works can also be shared on the official social media accounts or YouTube channels of the media outlets, but those published only on social media are not eligible.
 

**To avoid conflicts of interest, employees of the Organizer, Information Partner, Partners, Sponsors, and Organizations represented by jury members cannot participate in the contest, even if they are freelance or part-time journalists.

Participants must fill in the required information in the registration form and submit links to their materials or attach files. Sending materials via mail or email is not necessary.