A leading Ukrainian animal welfare advocate has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to protecting animals and strengthening animal welfare laws across Ukraine.
Maryna Surkova, President of the Association of Animal Protection Organisations of Ukraine (AZOU), has been awarded a prestigious Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin in recognition of her years of dedication to tackling animal cruelty and improving the lives of animals throughout the country.
The award was presented in Kyiv on 9 June 2026 by Naturewatch Foundation Campaign Manager Natalie Sorokpud during the annual Zoo-Conscious (Zoosvidomi) Forum. The event brought together animal welfare organisations, shelter representatives, veterinarians, businesses, policymakers and international partners to discuss the future of animal protection in Ukraine.
Maryna has become one of the country's most respected voices on animal welfare law and enforcement. Working closely with police forces, prosecutors and animal welfare organisations, she has helped ensure that cases involving animal cruelty are investigated properly and that offenders are held accountable for their actions.
Her work has also played a significant role in strengthening cooperation between animal welfare groups and law enforcement agencies, helping to ensure that legislation designed to protect animals is put into practice effectively.
As a longstanding partner of Naturewatch Foundation, Maryna has supported a range of initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare standards, including specialist police training programmes focused on investigating crimes against animals.
Speaking after receiving the award, Maryna told That's Pets: "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."
Sarah Carr, Chief Executive Officer of Naturewatch Foundation, praised Maryna's dedication and commitment.
"Naturewatch Foundation awards our Challenge Coin to celebrate the remarkable work of people working determinedly to improve animal welfare and tackle animal cruelty. My thanks to Maryna for her important work and unwavering commitment to animal welfare, and my congratulations on receiving one of our Challenge Coins."
Natalie Sorokpud added that Maryna's determination and professionalism have helped transform the way animal cruelty cases are viewed and investigated in Ukraine, creating lasting change that will benefit animals for generations to come
The Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin is one of the charity's highest honours. A maximum of just four awards are presented each year, recognising individuals whose efforts go above and beyond in advancing animal welfare and supporting the organisation's mission.
Maryna's award serves as a powerful reminder that dedicated individuals can make a real difference in the fight against animal cruelty, even in the most challenging circumstances.
