Animals

Ukrainian Animal Welfare Lawyer Honoured for Fighting Animal Cruelty

Good News Post

Jun 10, 2026 — 2 min read

Maryna Surkova receives award from Naturewatch Foundation - image supplied Naturewatch Foundation

By Animals Correspondent

A Ukrainian animal welfare lawyer who has worked for years alongside police and campaigners to tackle cruelty cases has been recognised for her contribution to improving animal protection in Ukraine.

Maryna Surkova, president of the Association of Animal Protection Organisations of Ukraine (AZOU), received a Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin during a conference in Kyiv.

She has played a long-standing role in efforts to strengthen the way animal cruelty cases are investigated and prosecuted, working closely with law enforcement agencies and animal welfare organisations across the country.

Her work has included supporting police training programmes and helping to improve how animal welfare laws are applied in practice, with campaigners saying this has helped bring more consistency to how cases are handled.

The award was presented at the annual Zoo-Conscious Forum, which brought together animal welfare organisations, vets, shelters, policymakers and international partners to discuss current challenges in Ukraine.

Naturewatch Foundation said only a small number of Challenge Coins are awarded each year to individuals who have made a significant contribution to advancing animal welfare.

Surkova has been a long-term partner of the organisation, supporting initiatives aimed at improving enforcement and encouraging greater accountability for animal cruelty offences.

Speaking after receiving the award, she said the recognition reflected years of joint work between organisations in Ukraine and international partners to improve standards of animal protection.

Naturewatch Foundation staff praised her commitment, saying her work had helped shift attitudes towards animal cruelty cases and strengthened efforts to bring offenders to justice.

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