Many survived after humans fled from a contaminated area, covering 1,000 square miles in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. They then went on to breed.Today, hounds freely roam the streets of abandoned towns and villages, as desperate for a tummy rub as ever — but at risk from a lack of food, harsh Ukrainian winters and wolves which prowl the nearby forests.
That’s where Lucas Hixson comes in.
The former radiation researcher has sacrificed his own career to care for the dogs of Chernobyl.
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Lucas, 32, says: “Chernobyl is an isolating place to work. So having these animals around is good for the workers. There were around 1,000 dogs roaming in the area. They only lived until they were two or three — if one got to five we called him ‘Grandpa’. We started a vaccination and sterilisation programme to bring the number down and give them a better quality of life. The dog population is now around 750.”
The most pressing concern, though, as the bitter Ukrainian winter approaches — temperatures can drop to -20C — is the daily feeding routine.
A lack of funds means Lucas only provides food for the dogs through the winter, as they can find their own food in summer.Just like the soldier in the Chernobyl TV drama, Lucas whistles to entice the dogs from their hiding spots at each of the 15 feedings stations. But, instead of a gun, he is armed with a 30kg sack of dried dog food and distributes up to seven of them daily. He trains the dogs to return to the same location each day, so they know where to get food.
The divorced dad-of-two says: “Sometimes you don’t need to whistle because they recognise the van. As soon as I get out they are there waiting for me.”
For the first time last year, the Chernobyl authorities allowed him to rehome pups. Since then, 54 have been sent to families in America and Canada. Stricter quarantine laws in the UK means he is yet to do his first British adoption. Over in Pripyat, where 50,000 people used to live, nature is taking over. An eerie quiet hangs over abandoned apartment blocks and schools which are slowly being colonised by the forest.
- Former Radiation Researcher Sacrifices Career to Care for the Lost Dogs of Chernoby
That’s where Lucas Hixson comes in.
The former radiation researcher has sacrificed his own career to care for the dogs of Chernobyl.
[---]
Lucas, 32, says: “Chernobyl is an isolating place to work. So having these animals around is good for the workers. There were around 1,000 dogs roaming in the area. They only lived until they were two or three — if one got to five we called him ‘Grandpa’. We started a vaccination and sterilisation programme to bring the number down and give them a better quality of life. The dog population is now around 750.”
The most pressing concern, though, as the bitter Ukrainian winter approaches — temperatures can drop to -20C — is the daily feeding routine.
A lack of funds means Lucas only provides food for the dogs through the winter, as they can find their own food in summer.Just like the soldier in the Chernobyl TV drama, Lucas whistles to entice the dogs from their hiding spots at each of the 15 feedings stations. But, instead of a gun, he is armed with a 30kg sack of dried dog food and distributes up to seven of them daily. He trains the dogs to return to the same location each day, so they know where to get food.
The divorced dad-of-two says: “Sometimes you don’t need to whistle because they recognise the van. As soon as I get out they are there waiting for me.”
For the first time last year, the Chernobyl authorities allowed him to rehome pups. Since then, 54 have been sent to families in America and Canada. Stricter quarantine laws in the UK means he is yet to do his first British adoption. Over in Pripyat, where 50,000 people used to live, nature is taking over. An eerie quiet hangs over abandoned apartment blocks and schools which are slowly being colonised by the forest.
- Former Radiation Researcher Sacrifices Career to Care for the Lost Dogs of Chernoby
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