PETA has requested the central government to rescue the Indian student and companion dog

Following an appeal on social media for Rishabh Kaushik’s help, an Indian student refusing to leave war-torn Ukraine without his companion dog Malibu, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has sent an urgent letter to India’s Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister. Husband and Dairy Parshottam Rupala is requesting that he issue an urgent no-objection certificate and ensure safe transportation in India for both the dog and Kaushik. PETA India has requested that the Minister simplify the rules of veterinary documentation for dogs, cats and other companion animals with their human families who are seeking safe passage from Ukraine to India. Kaushik, who studied at the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics in eastern Ukraine, said he had contacted the Indian government’s Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) in Delhi and the Indian embassy in Ukraine, but to no avail.

“Separating animal companions from their guardians is another tragedy for those desperately fleeing Ukraine, and it will only lead to more heartbreaking and unnecessary casualties,” said PETA India Chief Executive Officer and Veterinarian Dr. Manilal Valliate. “Although Rishabh has stood by his moral responsibility to protect his partner, it is now up to the Indian government to ensure that both he and Malibu arrive in India quickly and safely.”

Countries bordering Ukraine – including Hungary, Poland and Romania – are relaxing their restrictions to make it easier for animal companions to enter other states. PETA entities are also working to encourage other EU countries and the UK to follow suit.

In his letter, PETA India mentioned that Kaushik had rescued Malibu, saving him a horrible life on the streets, where many animals died of starvation or were injured, tortured or hit by vehicles. Many more are stranded in animal shelters due to lack of care.