Target: Oleksandr Savchenko, Chief Executive Officer, ATB Market, Ukraine
Goal: Require humane cold-weather protocols so animals seeking warmth are protected rather than expelled.
A stray dog named Zhuzha sought shelter from the freezing cold by lying quietly near the entrance of a grocery store in Dnipro. Neighbours, seeing that she was cold and calm, built a small shelter nearby to help her survive harsh winter temperatures. Witnesses stated that the dog posed no threat and was monitored by a woman to ensure the safety of customers.
Despite this, a store security guard led Zhuzha back outside into the cold. The removal triggered public outrage, particularly because winter conditions place stray animals at severe risk of hypothermia, starvation, and death. The incident highlighted the lack of clear, humane guidance for frontline staff when animals seek warmth during extreme weather.
In response, the company stated that sanitary regulations prohibit animals inside grocery stores but also acknowledged that rude or demonstrative handling of animals is unacceptable. The company announced plans to revise internal instructions and involve animal services or volunteers in similar situations. This petition urges those commitments to be formalised, enforced, and prioritised during life-threatening cold conditions.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr Savchenko,
We are writing to express serious concern following an incident in which a stray dog seeking warmth during freezing weather was removed from a supermarket entrance and forced back outside. The dog was calm, closely monitored, and had been given a makeshift shelter by local residents to protect her from the cold.
While sanitary rules for food premises are understood, winter conditions create emergency circumstances for animals that cannot survive prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. In such moments, humane response and coordination with animal volunteers or services can mean the difference between life and death.
We respectfully urge ATB to adopt and enforce clear cold-weather protocols requiring staff to contact animal welfare services rather than expelling animals into dangerous conditions. Compassionate, structured responses will protect vulnerable animals while maintaining customer safety and public trust.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Nevermind 08
