Animal welfare lawyer honoured for outstanding work supporting animals in Ukraine

A Ukrainian lawyer who has spent years helping bring animal abusers to justice has been recognised with one of the animal welfare sector's highest honours.

Maryna Surkova, President of the Association of Animal Protection Organisations of Ukraine (AZOU), was awarded a prestigious Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin during a ceremony in Kyiv on 9 June in recognition of her work strengthening animal protection laws and supporting investigations into animal cruelty offences.

The award was presented by Natalie Sorokpud, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, during the annual Zoo-Conscious (Zoosvidomi) Forum, which brings together animal welfare organisations, shelter representatives, veterinarians, businesses, policymakers and international partners from across Ukraine.

Ms Surkova has become one of Ukraine's leading animal welfare advocates and legal experts, working closely with police, prosecutors and animal welfare groups to ensure crimes against animals are treated seriously and offenders are held accountable.

Her work has helped improve the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases across the country, while also supporting the development and enforcement of stronger animal welfare legislation.

She has also worked closely with Naturewatch Foundation for many years, helping to deliver police training programmes and encouraging more effective enforcement of animal protection laws.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ms Surkova said: "Our organisations have worked together for many years, and during that time we have implemented a number of important initiatives to improve animal welfare in Ukraine, including training police officers to investigate crimes against animals and supporting local animal welfare organisations.

"It is especially meaningful to receive this recognition from colleagues who understand how challenging, yet important, this work is. I would like to thank Naturewatch Foundation for its longstanding partnership and support for Ukraine."

Sarah Carr, Chief Executive of Naturewatch Foundation, said: "Naturewatch Foundation award our Challenge Coin to celebrate the remarkable work of people working determinedly to improve animal welfare and tackle animal cruelty.

"A Challenge Coin is a treasured sought-after award. My thanks to Maryna for her important work and unwavering commitment to animal welfare and my congratulations for being a recipient of one of our Challenge Coins."

Natalie Sorokpud, who presented the award, described Ms Surkova as one of the most influential figures in Ukrainian animal welfare.

She said: "I have known Maryna and worked alongside her for many years, and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award.

"Through her determination, professionalism and deep compassion for animals, she has helped transform the way animal cruelty cases are viewed and investigated in Ukraine. Her work has inspired countless animal welfare advocates and has created lasting change that will benefit animals for years to come.

"It was a privilege to present Maryna with a Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin in recognition of her exceptional contribution to animal welfare."

The Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin is awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to advancing animal welfare and supporting the charity's mission. No more than four are presented each year, making them among the most sought-after honours within the international animal welfare community.