Submissions for the "Spivprostir" journalism competition are currently open

Now in its second year, the Save Pets of Ukraine initiative organizes this annual event with the support of Kormotech and Internews Ukraine. Journalists across Ukraine are encouraged to participate, especially those interested in animal welfare, environmental issues, social responsibility, inclusion, and accessibility.

According to research conducted by the Socioinform Center for Save Pets of Ukraine in 2023, the war has led to an average 60% increase in dogs and cats in shelters since early 2022. In rear regions, the number of animals in shelters has risen by 20-30%, while in frontline areas, it has doubled.

Additionally, sterilization programs have decreased during the war, contributing to the growth of stray animals. The “Spivprostir” competition seeks to draw public attention to the importance of responsible treatment and protection of animals and the environment, as the full-scale invasion has exacerbated existing challenges in animal welfare and introduced new ones.

Suggested themes for submissions include:

• New Beginnings: Adoption stories of animals during wartime.
• Human, Animal, and Environment: Best practices in equitable coexistence, from Ukraine and worldwide.
• Ecocide in Ukraine: Impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Mutual Support: Rescue stories of animals (and their people) in Ukraine.
• Pet-Friendly Nation: Responsible attitudes and inclusive environments for animals.
• Animal Shelter Operations in Wartime: Challenges and Solutions.
• Animals and Corporate Social Responsibility: Animal welfare initiatives by Ukrainian businesses.

Additional topic ideas:

• Four-Legged Heroes: From military missions to therapy—stories of cats and dogs saving lives during the war.
• Animals with Disabilities: Psychological support and socialization in new conditions.

Competition Rules:

1. Publish* a piece in the media on one of the topics suggested by the organizers between October 8, 2024, and December 1, 2024.
2. Complete the registration form, including a link to the published piece, and/or upload a work file**.

Submission Deadline: December 4, 2024, end of day.

The organizers will select winners based on topic relevance and work quality. Cash prizes will be awarded: Grand Prix – 30,000 UAH, First, Second, and Third Places – 20,000, 15,000, and 10,000 UAH, respectively. A special award of 12,000 UAH will be given for the most original format. The thematic partner will also choose a winning article to be featured on the official blog of the premium pet food brand Optimeal.

The awards ceremony will occur on December 23, 2024. Details on time and location will follow.
 

Organizer 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]

*Entries are accepted for materials published in print media or on official online media websites, as well as television and radio broadcasts within the period from October 8, 2024, to December 4, 2024, inclusive. Contest entries may also be shared in official media accounts on social networks or YouTube channels. However, entries only published on social media are not eligible for participation. Journalists may submit multiple entries, and each journalist can participate individually, even if their work is published in the same media outlet. If multiple authors are published in a single outlet, each may submit their work individually. An online publication with a provided link is sufficient; a print version is unnecessary and does not confer additional advantages.

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

Participants should complete the online registration form by providing personal information, a link to their material, or an attached file. There is no need to send entries by mail or email.

General Partner: Kormotech

Information Partner: Internews Ukraine

Thematic Partner: Premium pet food brand Optimeal