The National Reception Office (ONA) has refused to accept Ukrainian refugees with pets at their Hollerich accommodation since November 2022. The association ‘Déieren an Nout’ (‘Animals in Need’) has criticised the policy, saying there is sufficient space to permit pets at the centre.
The non-profit has had to take in numerous pets belonging to Ukrainian families after they were turned away from the Tony Rollmann refugee centre in Kirchberg. The charity says this ban contradicts government policies and has now also also been unofficially extended to the centre at the Bouillon in Hollerich, with Ukrainian refugees told they are not allowed to bring pets to the accommodation.
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“The only shelter which permits pets is refusing entry to Ukrainian refugees with pets”, the non-profit further alleges about the practice, said to have been in place since November.
The organisation has been helping Ukrainian refugees if their pets are unwell or if they need alternative shelter for a few days. Cathy Laroche, who regularly purchases pet food for families in need, said the organisation steps in at the initial reception centre for refugees, as well as in Hollerich. She maintains contact with many Ukrainians who have brought their pet to Luxembourg.
According to ‘Déieren an Nout’, the ONA and Caritas are interested in an official cooperation, but instead of tackling the problem head-on, the doors of the refugee centre will remain shut for those with pets.
Laroche says she does not understand what could be the reason for the ONA to not accept pets all while the Office is said to deny the accusation. The former Creos offices in Luxembourg City have been specifically prepared to also accommodate pets. According to the ONA, there are currently eight dogs and ten cats living inside. All animals have to be vaccinated.
Only short-term help available, says charity
Vladimir was forced to spend three nights sleeping rough with his two dogs on Avenue Kennedy after the Kirchberg refugee centre refused to accommodate his pets. “Déieren an Nout” is well aware of the issue and is working on solutions for the people concerned. The charity is able to help for several days until the paperwork is in order, Laroche explained, but if the Hollerich shelter is refusing pets, this would have a knock-on effect on the charity’s capacity - despite the fact there is space at the Bouillon refugee accommodation.
“Matching” argument is a pretext
Laroche said the Hollerich centre had not accepted any refugees with pets since November, with the exception of one pregnant woman. All other applicants with pets had been turned away, with the argument that they did not “match” or suit the accommodation. Laroche has since been in contact with half a dozen applicants with different family set-ups - in cases without pets, the refugees were accepted immediately, while those with pets were not.
ONA denies claims
A spokesperson for the ONA denied the charity’s claims and said Hollerich would still accept Ukrainian refugees with pets. However, the employee refused to be cited on the matter.
Management at Caritas responded to RTL’s questioning, saying they had received no official statement from the ONA on the matter of pets, but that the last refugee with a pet was admitted on 26 March. This was the pregnant woman treated as an exception, as mentioned by Laroche.
Upon enquiring at the ministry, RTL were told that pets were still welcome but that there had been little to no space for pets at the shelters in recent months. The dispute remains unresolved, with no clear solution in sight.
