battersea cats and dogs home visit

Battersea Dogs Home Tour: Review & How to Visit

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2024

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is one of the oldest, and best known animal rescue centres in the country. Members of the public can now visit the centre by booking a guided tour. The tours provide information about animal adoption, and allow visitors to see how the dogs are trained and cared for at the home. This post is my review of the Battersea Dogs Home tour.

Battersea Dogs Home Tour Review

History of battersea dogs & cats home and their tours.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was founded in 1860, by the English animal welfare campaigner, Mary Tealby. When the home first opened, it was known as The Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs , and took in vulnerable animals in Holloway, north London.

The first celebrity supporter of the rescue centre was Charles Dickens, who, two years after the home opened, wrote an article about it in his newspaper. He referred to it as an “extraordinary monument of the remarkable affection with which the English people regard the race of dogs”.

In 1871, the home moved to Battersea, and changed its name to Battersea Dogs Home . It didn’t start taking in cats until 1883, but remained known as Battersea Dogs Hom e until 2002, when it changed its name to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The current tours of the rescue centre started following the popular TV series, Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs , which has been filmed at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home since 2012.

My Experience of the Battersea Dogs Home Tour

When I first arrived for the tour, it wasn’t clear where to find the reception. I have included photographs below to help anyone else who has a tour booked, to find the starting point.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has a tearoom called Tealby’s, which is just before the railway bridge. To get the to reception you need to walk past the tearoom, and all the way to the end. The main entrance, and pathway leading to the reception are shown in the photographs below.

The starting point for the tour is the reception, which is also the gift shop. Once the tour began, we were first taken to an indoor arena to see how the dogs are trained.

How the Dogs are Trained

In the first part of the tour we met two dogs at the in the arena, where we saw the equipment and toys that were used to train them.

The black dog in the first photograph below, was a former racing greyhound called Tyson. Tyson was four years old, and needed to wear a muzzle because, as he was an ex racing dog, he had been trained to chase. This could be a problem for a future owner because he may try to chase a squirrel in a park, or a neighbour’s cat.

The staff at the centre showed us how they train the dogs and teach them to keep their paws on the ground, and that their teeth should only ever be on toys, and never humans.

Tour of the Site

After we left the arena, we had a short tour of the site. We saw the car park where the dogs and cats arrive. When a new animal arrives, it is taken into a building where it is checked for medical problems and behavioural issues. This area is shown in the photograph below.

Some of the animals are gifted to the centre, but they also receive lots of strays. If the dogs and cats are gifted then they are able to receive some kind of behavioural history, like how they are around children, but for the stray animals this is unknown.

Each dog that arrives gets put into a dedicated block, and a team ensures that it gets the right food and exercise. There is a training area, where the dogs get taught basic skills, like to sit. If the dog has no behavioural issues, then it gets sent straight to the paddocks where they have off lead interactions, and get ready to be re-homed.

At the time when I visited they had 112 dogs and 116 cats at the site in Battersea. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home also has sites in the countryside where they can send dogs that are particularly sound sensitive.

The average length of stay for a dog is 50 days, and the average length of stay for a cat is 30 days. These time frames can vary depending on the state of the animal. For example, some dogs stay longer for medical reasons. There is no time limit on how long an animal can stay.

There is a fostering team at the centre. These are volunteers who take the dogs home, and bring them back once or twice a week while they are having medical treatment. There is also a vet on site (shown in the first photograph below), and all pets are neutered before they are re-homed.

The veterinary clinic is in a separate building, next to the railway arches. There are four “recovery arches” where the animals go to recover after having a procedure. This is also where they go if they are pregnant. You can see the arches on the left hand side in the photograph below.

Public Kennels

After a tour of the site, we then went to the public kennels. This is where the dogs go when they are waiting for their forever home. The dogs with red leads are still recovering from kennel cough , but if the dog is wearing a green lead, this means it has recovered.

At the moment the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the most common breed of dog given to Battersea. This is because they are often bought by young people as “ status dogs “, when they have no knowledge on how to look after them.

Below are photographs of some of the dogs I saw who were waiting to be adopted.

Meeting One of the Dogs

After leaving the public kennels, we went back to the indoor arena where we were able to meet one of the dogs and play with him. This is the point in the tour where you are able to get a photograph with one of the dogs. The dog we met was a Whippet, and is shown in the photograph below.

At the time I was there, there was a dog having a hydrotherapy session in the pool next to the arena. The pool is the only facility that is open externally, so you are able to bring your dog if your vet does a referral. Cats also sometimes come for the hydrotherapy sessions.

The Cattery

Unfortunately on the day I visited, the cats home was closed for refurbishment, so we were not able to meet any of the cats, but we saw the building where they live.

The cattery has 100 pens, and usually 70-80 cats on site at one time. The centre has an intake and re-homing team who look after the cats until they are ready to go to a loving home.

The photographs below show the entrance to the cattery.

When a cat arrives at Battersea, it is given a blanket and a knitted mouse. The mice are all knitted by volunteers and given to the home. Anyone on the tour who had a cat at home was invited to take a knitted mouse for their own cat.

In the entranceway to the cattery there were cat beds for sale, a cat library, and cat toys. There was also a sign reminding visitors to be quiet because the cats were sleeping.

Heritage Exhibition

The last stop before the tour ended was the heritage exhibition. This is a small exhibition about the history of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. It had old photographs, and newspaper articles about the rescue centre as well as a video about the dogs and cats.

How to Book a Battersea Dogs Home Tour

If you want to book a guided tour of the home, this can be done on Eventbrite . I was lucky to be able to get a ticket, because there are only 12 places available on each tour, and they sell out very quickly.

At the moment the next tours which include the cattery aren’t available until November. When I bought my ticket, I was told that the tour would be 45 minutes – 1 hour. It ended up being well over an hour, and we didn’t even see the cats, so I think it depends on your tour guide on the day.

When I visited, my ticket cost £12.22, which I thought was very good value for money.

This post was my review of the Battersea Dogs Home Tour

Thank you for reading my review of the Battersea Dogs Home tour. If you have been on a tour yourself, please leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought.

Check out my other posts on Battersea .

Tour of Battersea's London Centre

Each tour has a maximum capacity of 12. Please note the number of tickets remaining refers to capacity of that tour, not the ticket type.

Select date and time

• Thursday June 27 10:30 AM

Refund Policy

About this event.

Join us for a tour of our Battersea London centre and see how we care for our dogs and cats, behind the scenes. Check the schedule to see when our next tours are available, each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour.

Please note that when you book a tour you are agreeing to both Battersea's Booking Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and Eventbrite's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

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Register of Charities - The Charity Commission BATTERSEA DOGS' AND CATS' HOME

Activities - how the charity spends its money

We aim never to turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners; when we cannot do this, we care for them until new homes can be found for them; and we educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

Income and expenditure

Data for financial year ending 31 December 2022

Total income: £56,527,000

Total expenditure: £53,037,000.

-£2,103,000 investments gains (losses)

Charitable expenditure

Charitable expenditure with investment gains.

Some charities generate all, or a substantial part, of their income from investments which may have been donated to the charity as endowment or set aside by the charity from its own resources in the past. Such investments usually take the form of stocks and shares but may include other assets, such as property, that are capable of generating income and/or capital growth.

In managing their spending and investments charities need to strike a balance between the needs of future and current beneficiaries. They also need to take account of spending commitments that may stretch over a number of future years. To do this, charities will normally adopt an investment strategy designed to generate both income and capital growth. To maximise returns trustees may commit to investment strategies for several years.

Investments can experience large swings in value so trustees may, in a particular year, decide to realise and spend part of their charity’s capital or to invest part of its income.

By clicking the investment gains checkbox the charitable spending bar is adjusted to take account of capital growth as well as income. This shows the balance the charity is striking, between spending on current beneficiaries and retaining resources for future beneficiaries.

559 Employee(s)

12 Trustee(s)

688 Volunteer(s)

Employees with total benefits over £60,000

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We use this information to better understand how you use our website so that we can improve your user experience and present more relevant content.

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Battersea Dogs Home - a loving refuge for strays

The famous 'Temporary Home for Lost & Starving Dogs’ was established in 1860 by Ms. Mary Tealby and a committee of animal lovers, in Holloway, North London.

The organisation moved to its current home in Battersea, South London in 1871. It relies entirely on donations and is one of the UK's oldest animal welfare charities.

Battersea (as it has recently rebranded itself) was originally set up to help dogs living on the streets of London. Stray dogs and cats were very numerous and led short miserable lives. Rabies existed, which made people especially fearful and cruel towards stray dogs. The spaying of female pets was impossible, and the drowning of unwanted puppies and kittens was common.

During the Victorian era there was increasing concern about the suffering of animals. The true story of Greyfriars Bobby - the skye terrier - and the fictional story of Black Beauty the horse were very popular.

Mary Tealby, who had separated from her husband and moved to London in 1860, first resolved to found a "canine asylum" after the death of a starving dog she had attempted to nurse back to health. Struck by the plight of London's strays, she established the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs in a stable in an Islington mews.

Tealby's project struggled in its first decade with financial problems, unscrupulous staff, and court cases brought by neighbours troubled by the noise. The home was also roundly mocked by elements of the press. The Times launched a scathing attack in 1860. While praising advances in animal welfare, it scorned the home as a step too far: "From the sublime to the ridiculous – from the reasonable inspirations of humanity to the fantastic exhibitions of ridiculous sentimentalism – there is but a single step... When we hear of a 'Home for Dogs', we venture to doubt if the originators and supporters of such an institution have not taken leave of their sober senses."

However, Mary Tealby had some other writers on her side, including Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy, and her ideas gradually gained acceptance. In 1885, Queen Victoria became the patron of the Dogs Home in its new location in Battersea. In 1883, the organisation also began accepting cats, when this became a condition of a major bequest from Mr Richard Barlow Kennett. In that first year Battersea took in a total of 48 stray cats in addition to thousands of dogs.

The noble endeavour has expanded over time, first embracing cats too, and then adding more premises. In 1979 Battersea acquired the old Bell Mead kennels in Old Windsor, and opened their third centre at Brands Hatch in 1999.

The original cattery, Whittington Lodge, is the world’s first purpose-built cattery, and still stands at the London centre today. It is a heritage listed building.

In its 160 years of history, Battersea has cared for more than 3 million animals.

Further reading

• Battersea Dogs Home website
• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home releases a photographic history - Daily Mail
• Mary Tealby biography - Hilda Kean blog

Links to external websites are not maintained by Bite Sized Britain . They are provided to give users access to additional information. Bite Sized Britain is not responsible for the content of these external websites.

• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
• Joined: January 14, 2007

• Dogs Now Rehomed

Elsa – 3 year old female Beagle

Elsa is a 3 year old neutered female Beagle who is looking for a Beagle experienced home. [rehomed] She came in to Battersea Brands Hatch due to a back street breeder being closed down. Elsa has the most wonderful temperament and…

• March 6, 2017

Macy – 6-12 month old female English Bull Terrier Cross

Macy is a 6-12 month old female English Bull Terrier cross, she is a friendly and fun girl who can be a little clingy and shy at first as she is unsure of new people. She is to be the…

• April 8, 2008

Beryl – 1-2 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross

Beryl is a 1-2 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross who was found running around a park in London back in October and unfortunately an owner never came forward. Like most young bull terriers Beryl is boisterous and excitable,…

IMPORTANT : Kim O'Meara - all of us at dogsblog.com would like you to read this » .

SEARCH BATTERSEA

Popular on battersea.

• Contacting Battersea
• Challenge events

Help us be here for every dog and cat

We simply could not and would not exist without the generosity of our amazing supporters. Whether you give time or money, you're ensuring we can care for the thousands of dogs and cats that arrive at our gates every year.

Ways to support animals in our care

We would not be able to be here for every dog and cat if it were not for our amazing supporters.

Other ways to give

There are lots of ways you can help us be here for every dog and cat.

Buy a gift for our animals

Give the dogs and cats at Battersea a little extra love by treating them to something special.

WAYS TO ACTIVELY SUPPORT OUR WORK

Volunteering at Battersea

​Everything you need to know about volunteering at our Battersea centres.

Challenge Events

Get muddy, work up a sweat, trek the coastline or get wet. Whatever you decide to do, do it for Battersea.

Business partnerships

Find out about our partnerships with other businesses which help raise funds for the dogs and cats in our care.

Fundraising

Loads of fun ideas and practical advice on raising funds for us.

Legacies and in memory

Find out more about leaving a gift in your will or the different ways you can donate in memory of a loved on or pet.

Gifts in Wills

When you leave a gift in your Will to Battersea, you help ensure that we can continue to be here for every dog and cat who needs us.

Create a memorial Tribute Fund

Celebrate and remember the life of a loved one with an online collection for Battersea.

Meet Vicki the volunteer

Vicki is a volunteer at Battersea’s Old Windsor site, where she works in our kennels to support the team with everything from dog walking and feeding time to cleaning and laundry.

SEARCH BATTERSEA

Popular on battersea.

• Contacting Battersea
• Challenge events

Meet some of the cats in our care

Please register your details with us and we’ll be in touch if we find a suitable match for you. Although it might take a little more time and patience – rescues are always worth the wait.

Meet the cats

domestic short-hair

Age 2 Months

PROFITEROLE (& WAFFLE)

Age 3 Months

Age 11 Months

Age 1 Year, 8 Months

WAFFLE (& PROFITEROLE)

Age 3 Years, 2 Months

Age 2 Years, 8 Months

Age 8 Years, 7 Months

Age 10 Years, 1 Month

Age 8 Years, 11 Months

Age 14 Years, 2 Months

Age 3 Years, 8 Months

Age 12 Years, 5 Months

Age 5 Years, 2 Months

Age 4 Years, 7 Months

Age 2 Years

Age 6 Years, 4 Months

Age 8 Years, 8 Months

Age 2 Years, 5 Months

Age 1 Year, 7 Months

Age 8 Years, 3 Months

Age 9 Years, 2 Months

Age 9 Months

BUTTER BEAN

Age 1 Year, 6 Months

Age 7 Years, 10 Months

Age 2 Years, 6 Months

Age 8 Months

Age 6 Months

Age 6 Years, 1 Month

Age 2 Years, 10 Months

Age 9 Years, 11 Months

Age 2 Years, 7 Months

LADY MARMALADE

Age 11 Years, 6 Months

Age 2 Years, 1 Month

Age 7 Years

Age 3 Years, 5 Months

Age 12 Years, 1 Month

MONSIEUR MUSHROOM

Age 1 Year, 2 Months

Age 4 Years, 4 Months

Age 4 Years, 8 Months

Age 3 Years, 6 Months

Age 8 Years, 1 Month

Age 6 Years, 9 Months

Age 4 Years, 1 Month

Age 3 Years, 1 Month

Age 2 Years, 4 Months

Age 13 Years, 5 Months

Age 8 Years, 2 Months

Age 9 Years, 3 Months

HOW TO REHOME WITH BATTERSEA

1. register.

Tell us about yourself, your home, your circumstances and the type of cat you'd prefer.

2. RECEIVE AN AUTOMATED REPLY

After registering, you will receive an automated response from us with an indication of your likeliness to rehome based on what you've told us, as well as the next steps of the process.

3. LEAVE IT WITH US

If you don't hear from us for a while, rest assured that in this time we're busy caring for our dogs and cats and ensuring each one gets the best possible chance of happiness in a new home.

4. SPEAK WITH A REHOMING TEAM MEMBER

When we think there's a good chance we can find you a match, a member of our expert rehoming team will arrange a phone call with you.

We will then arrange a visit to a Battersea centre to meet your potential new cat.

REHOMING FAQs

How does matching work.

Here at Battersea, we assess all of our cats individually and create a rehoming profile for them. To ensure successful matches between people and pets, we use a combination of extensive rehoming experience, our staff expertise and the information you provided in your rehoming form. After registering, you will receive an automated response from us with an indication of your likeliness to rehome based on what you've told us, as well as the next steps of the process.

This may not always be the cat you thought it would be, which is why we ask that you see the registration form as a way of registering your interest in rehoming, not an application for a specific animal. We’re experts in making sure we find the right home for our cats and the right cat for your home.

Read the full list of rehoming FAQs.

How long will it take?

It all depends on your individual circumstances and the cat you are looking for – but rescue pets are always worth the wait.

At the moment, we have fewer animals than usual and reduced staff, so there may be some delay while we work through rehoming applications. We are also prioritising people who live within a short distance of our three centres. Please register your details with us so we can start looking for your new pet.

We’d also recommend registering with other local rescue centres in addition to Battersea. You can find a list of alternative UK rescue centres here.

How much does it cost?

Our rehoming fee is £95 for cats (over six months), £130 for kittens (under six months) or £170 for a pair of cats and £225 for a pair of kittens. The fees include a full vet and behaviour assessment, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, neutering, initial vaccinations, starter pack of food and four weeks of free Petplan insurance. Each cat also goes to their new home with their own blankets and a favourite toy, such as a knitted mouse.

It’s important to consider not just the initial cost of getting a cat or kitten, but the regular cost of insurance, food, equipment and fees at your local veterinary centre so that you are fully prepared for the financial implications of owning a cat.

Other ways to support our animals

With costs taken care of, and lots of support and training given, find out how to become a foster carer today.

Gifts for our animals

With your support you can give our dogs and cats the vital treatment, care and love they need whilst they wait for their new homes.

SUCCESS STORIES

We love happy endings for Battersea cats. Here are just a few heart-warming stories from some of our ex-residents who we helped to find caring homes for.

Coco's Story

One-year-old Coco arrived at Battersea when her previous owners could no longer look after her.

Pinky's Story

Keith's Story

Cleo's Story

Hector's Story

More from battersea.

Rehome a cat

Rehoming a Battersea cat is truly life-changing – for you, and your new companion.

Sponsor our cabins

You can make sure there's always somewhere safe and warm at Battersea for cats to call home while they wait to find a family.

Advice on caring for your cat from our experienced Battersea cattery staff.

Check the status of your application, view your favourited animals, change your account details and more.

Humane Society  of the Palouse

"helping those who cannot help themselves.".

The Humane Society is always happy to have volunteers come out and help care for our animals. The animals like new faces as well.

Are you interested in Volunteering?  Please contact HSoP and schedule your first shift!  Due to limited space, HSoP can only accommodate so many volunteers at one time. 

Volunteer Hours are available Monday through Friday from 2:00-5:00. We can schedule up to three volunteers at a time. 

Sign up for your shift today! 

Contact HSoP by phone at (208) 883-1166 or through email at

[email protected]

Do you have questions about volunteering with us? Click here to visit our Volunteering FAQs !

Junior Volunteers

Additional Guidelines for Younger Volunteers

You must be at least 12 years old to be a junior volunteer. During their first volunteering shift, junior volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to go over rules, sign the application, and ensure their child understands the process. 

After the initial supervised shift, junior volunteers can volunteer alone for up to one hour per day.  Junior volunteers are not allowed in the dog kennels without their parent or guardian. 

There is a 3-strikes rule!  If we have to remind you about following these rules three times, you will not be allowed to return to volunteer without a parent.

HSoP cannot accommodate volunteers under the age of 12 at this time. 

***Junior Volunteers can socialize with animals that are already accustomed to younger people.  If an animal is not comfortable or socialized with children, you will not be allowed to interact with them.***

Dog Walking

Our dogs love getting to go on walks! These mini adventures offer a fun break from the shelter environment, and give our pups a chance to practice their leash skills before going home. If you'd like to help our pups get some relaxing walks in, we would love to have your help!

If you haven't already, be sure to fill out and submit a volunteer application. 

Next, fill out and submit the dog walking form above. Be sure to carefully read all guidelines. 

Just like that, you're all set to walk some dogs! We will ask to hold onto your ID while you're out. 

***Junior volunteers cannot walk dogs by themselves. If they are accompanied by an adult parent or guardian, then the junior volunteer can accompany the adult for the walk, but may not control the leash.***

Group Volunteering

Thank you for considering HSoP as the beneficiary of your groups’ philanthropy! Due to space restrictions at HSoP, we are unable to accommodate large groups of volunteers on site.  However, groups can do a lot for the animals currently at HSoP by organizing fundraisers, pet food drives, or pet supply collections for the homeless animals of Latah County.

While we aren’t able to accommodate groups at our shelter, your group efforts can still make a huge difference to the homeless animals found within your community.

After your group has organized a fundraiser, supported a pet food drive for our Pet Food Pantry, or done a supply collection, a tour is a wonderful way to top off the experience!  This is a great way for your group to see exactly how your efforts have benefited your pet community.

To schedule a group tour, or for fun ideas for group projects, please contact us by phone at  (208)883-1166 or through email at  [email protected] .

Fun ideas for how groups can help:

Volunteering at HSoP events

Supply donation drives

Pet food drives

Making dog toys

Making dog treats

Making cat treats

Making cat toys

Making blankets for our kitties!

Our cats and kittens love to lie on handmade blankets. You can knit, crochet, or tie blanks out of fleece. The recommended measurement is about 18-20” x 18-20” when you’re finished.

Court-Mandated Community Service

Thank you for your interest in serving your mandated community service hours at the Humane Society of the Palouse. Individuals seeking to fulfill community service requirements do not participate in the volunteer program: they complete projects and tasks that do not involve any contact with the animals or the clients at the shelter.

Community Service Volunteers must read the guidelines, complete information profile, and sign the code of conduct/waiver in order to get started. Please note that the Humane Society of the Palouse reserves the right to refuse a Community Service Volunteer for any reason.

Community Service Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Volunteers must schedule in advance

Time slots available are from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, Monday – Saturday

To sign up, please contact HSoP by phone at (208) 883-1166

HSoP reserves the right to turn away any Community Service Volunteers who do not show up on time, and to ask Community Service Volunteers to leave early if there is not enough work available.

Shifts are filled on a first come, first serve basis and HSoP can only accommodate 1 volunteer per day.

Duties may include laundry, dishes, sorting donations, cleaning, and more.

Dress Protocol

To prevent slipping, exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, and injuries, all Community Service Volunteers must wear flat, enclosed rubber-sole shoes at all times.

All Community Service Volunteers must not wear thong sandals, flip flops, or any shoe with an open toe, torn clothing, cut-off shorts, T-shirts with controversial or offensive messages, halter tops, backless shirts, half-shirts, muscle shirts, tank tops, dangling earrings, or other jewelry that may interfere with volunteer duties.

DIY Volunteering Ideas

Are you interested in helping HSoP but are unable to come into HSoP during our hours of operation? 

This page has ideas for how you can still help homeless animals.  Did you know that providing homeless dogs and cats with toys is very important for their well-being?  The ideas on this page can help you make some very special critters their own toys that are theirs to keep both at HSoP and in their new home.  

Do you have a large group that would like to help HSoP? 

These ideas are great for a large group to do together and then bring into HSoP.  Under each idea, you will find how many volunteer hours you can receive for donating these DIY items. 

Stuffed Monkey’s Fist Knot:

1 hour awarded per every 2 toys.

Click here  for instructions.

No-Sew Fleece Blankets:

1 hour awarded per every 2 blankets.

Click here   for instructions.

Fleece Dog & Cat Toy:

1 hour awarded per every 5 toys.

Flirt Pole:

Ball & Tug Dog Toy

Check out this fun PDF for even more ideas on DIY dog and cat toys!

• Does HSoP euthanize animals? The Humane Society of the Palouse is a low/no-kill shelter. HSoP will not euthanize adoptable animals due to space. We’ve stayed true to our mission for 45 years and are committed to preserving and nurturing the lives of all the rescued animals in our care. We reserve humane euthanasia only in instances when animals are suffering greatly with no potential for relief, or if an animal is so aggressive that he or she presents a danger to people or other animals and cannot be safely handled or placed. The decision to euthanize is never made lightly and done only with the best interest of the animal in mind. HSoP is committed to providing all of the animals we rescue with the individualized and compassionate care they need and deserve until they are adopted by responsible, loving people.
• How many canines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 dogs.
• How many dogs are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray dogs that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 60% with their owners and 40% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray dogs that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 40% with their owners and 60% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number.
• How many felines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 cats. HSoP generally has more cats than dogs
• How many cats are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray cats that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 10% with their owners and 90% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray cats that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 1% with their owners and 99% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. Cats should wear breakaway collars if possible.
• How is HSoP funded? For a more detailed view of HSoP finances, visit our Financial Transparency page.
• How much funding needs to be donated or raised by HSoP to make up the 35% and 8% of the annual budget? Each year, HSoP has to raise over $80,000 through donations and fundraising just to keep our doors open. ​ This is why any size donation is greatly appreciated. Without the generous and continued support of our pet community, HSoP would not be able to do what we do. Donate today!
• Is the Humane Society of the Palouse part of the Humane Society of the United States? No. HSoP has no affiliation with HSUS or the ASPCA. Though we do look to the national animal welfare organizations to stay current with best practices, we do not receive funding nor are we affiliated with them. HSoP does apply for grants through these large national organizations, however HSoP does not receive annual funding from the HSUS or ASPCA.
• Who is involved with HSoP? City of Moscow, Chief of Police City of Moscow owns the building and pays for utilities and make up 22% of HSoP yearly budget. Latah county provides 10% of HSoPs’ yearly budget. HSoP presents to the County Commissioners every year to request funding. HSoP Voluntary Board of Directors 14 members who bring a variety of expertise to the organization. HSoP has a full time staff of 5 that include: Shelter Director Animal Care Attendants Public Relations Manager Countless Volunteers
• Does the Humane Society of the Palouse pick up stray animals? The Humane Society does not pick up animals. Stray dogs found within Moscow city limits can be reported to the Animal Control Officer by calling (208)882-2677. If a stray dog is found in Latah County, citizens can call the Latah County Sheriff’s office at (208)882-2216 for assistance, but do so knowing there is no animal control for Latah County. There is no animal control for stray cats.
• Where does HSoP list stray or impounded animals? HSoP lists all stray or unclaimed animals on our Facebook page. To see the most recent stray and impounded animals, please visit our Facebook page through this link: Humane Society of the Palouse | Facebook
• If my pet is missing, could it be at the animal shelter? Hundreds of companion animals come into the shelter every year from Latah County. If your pet is missing, it is important that you contact the shelter as soon as possible so that a missing pet report can be completed and shelter staff can be notified to look for your pet. It is also important that you visit the shelter in-person and look for your pet on a regular basis. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to search for their missing pet; however, HSoP will do everything possible to assist you in doing so. We also encourage posting a photo, description and information about where your pet went missing from as well as when to local lost and found groups on Facebook.
• What happens if my pet is brought to the shelter? If your pet is not readily identifiable by tag or microchip, your pet will be held for a stray holding period. Dogs found in the City of Moscow have a 10-day holding period. Dogs found outside of Moscow but within Latah County have a 6-day holding period. Cats found anywhere within Moscow or Latah County have a 6-day holding period. The Shelter will make every effort to contact you regarding your pet during this time. Reclaim fees apply in each situation and must be paid prior to reclaiming your pet. Unclaimed pets become the property of HSoP following the end of a stray holding period. Once this happens, they start the process of becoming ready for adoption. Please ensure that all of your pets have accurate ID to increase the chance of being reunited with them if they ever get lost.
• What does it cost to reclaim my pet from the shelter? Pet owners are charged an impound fee of $20.00. To reclaim a dog that lives within Moscow city limits, if the dog is not already licensed with the city, the purchase of a lifetime license is mandatory. The license is $25.00 for altered dogs and $35.00 for intact dogs. Boarding fees of $10.00 per day are charged for each day of impound after the initial twenty-four hours of arrival at the Shelter
• Do I have to have my pet spayed or neutered? Spaying or neutering is not required for reclaimed pets, although we encourage responsible sterilization of pets and offer assistance through S.N.A.P. Spaying or neutering your pets can prevent unwanted litters and even prevent some cancers in your beloved cat or dog. There are already so many homeless cats and dogs at the shelter, we don't need anymore! If you are in need of assistance having your pet spayed or neutered, please apply for our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP).
• If I witness what I believe to be an act of animal cruelty, who do I call? Humane Society of the Palouse encourages the public to IMMEDIATELY report acts of animal cruelty or neglect to Animal Control by calling (208) 882-2677 if occurring within Moscow city limits, and (208) 882-2216 if occurring in Latah County. HSoP does not have the ability to report cruelty or neglect secondhand. If we are contacted about situations of this kind, we will direct them to contact local law enforcement.
• Does HSoP offer veterinary services to the pulbic? Though we would love to offer spaying/neutering and vaccination services to our local pet community, HSoP does not have the ability or facilities to do so at this time. HSoP does offer assistance through our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), and microchipping services. For a list of local veterinary services, please view the Veterinary Services resource page in the HSoP Resource Library.
• Does it cost money to surrender an owned animal? Yes. HSoP does ask for a small donation to help provide care for owned pets that have been surrendered. Please visit our Owner Surrender page to learn more.
• How old do I have to be to visit the shelter? Anyone is welcome to visit the shelter during our open hours! We do have some restrictions about who can see and interact with shelter pets: - You must be at least 18 years old to enter our dog kennels or to interact with our adoptable dogs without a parent or guardian present. - You must be at least 18 years old to interact with our adoptable cats without a parent or guardian present (unless you're working a junior volunteer shift). - Those 17 and under are welcome to visit the shelter and interact will all of our adoptable pets, so long as they're accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.
• I'm going on vacation, can you board my pet? No. At this time HSoP does not offer boarding services for pets. There are several boarding facilities throughout Latah County and most vet clinics will also board. For a list of local boarding services, please view our Pet Boarding Services resource sheet in the HSoP Resource Library.
• I found a wild animal hurt in my yard, what should I do? HSoP is not equipped care for wildlife. If you've found an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal, please call Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at (208) 614-2273. For more information, please visit their website: Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
• I found a feral cat, what do I do? HSoP does not have the ability to provide care for feral cats within our facility. We do have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats living on owned property in Latah County. The program intends to reduce feline infectious diseases and homeless cat births in our region, by providing feral cats with vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and ear-tips for identification.
• Why can’t I bring my animal to the Humane Society of the Palouse if I live outside of Latah County? HSoP does not euthanize to make space. We do not have the capacity, space, or manpower to receive animals from outside of the agreed jurisdiction we have with the City of Moscow and Latah County. We recommend contacting the shelter that services your county and they may be able to help.

Volunteering FAQs

Ukraine-Russia war – live: Putin ‘invokes Cuban Missile Crisis’ as he moves ‘nuclear-capable’ ships to Havana

LIVE – Updated at 16:36

Vladimir Putin is invoking the memory of the Cuban Missile Crisis by moving “nuclear-capable” warships to Cuba in a move intended to provoke the United States , a think tank warned.

Four Russian vessels will make a port call to Havana between 12 and 17 June before stopping off in Venezuela later in the month, according to Cuban and US officials.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate, the Kazan nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine , the Academic Pashin replenishment oiler, and the Nikolai Chiker rescue tug will all be part of the visit, the US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War.

The Admiral Gorshkov is capable of carrying Zircon hypersonic missiles, which the Kremlin has touted as being able to carry a nuclear warhead. There is no suggestion the ship will be equipped with nuclear weapons during the visit.

In 1962, former Russian premier Nikita Khrushchev moved nuclear missiles to Havana which led to an intense stand off between Moscow and Washington.

Meanwhile, Putin has threatened to retaliate against Western countries that are allowing Ukraine to hit Russia with their long-range missiles.

Joe Biden apologises to Zelensky for delay in aid

Russia trying to ‘invoke memory of cuban missile crisis’, france to send mirage 2000 warplanes to ukraine.

• Putin claims Russia may supply long-range weapons to enemies of West

Ukraine air defence downs 9 out of 13 Russian drones over four regions

Ukrainian air defence and mobile drone hunters groups shot down nine out of 13 Russian drones over four regions of the country, the air force said today.

The Iranian-made Shahed drones were downed over the central Poltava region, southeastern Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, and the Kharkiv region in the northeast, the statement said. One X-59 Russian missile launched from Russia’s Kursk region was also downed.

Serhiy Lysak, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, said the overnight drone attack damaged commercial and residential buildings and also a power line.

Details of the damage in other regions were not immediately clear.

Ukraine is in a race against time to steel itself for a Russian summer assault. Western help needs to speed up

Ukraine is in a race against time to steel itself for a Russian summer assault

While many in the EU worry about far-right gains at the ballot box – those close to Russia crave security

EU voters close to Russia crave one thing above all – security

Ukrainian air defence and mobile drone hunters groups shot down nine out of 13 Russian drones over four regions of the country, the air force said on Saturday.

Serhiy Lysak, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, said the overnight drone attack damaged commercial and residential buildings and also a power line. Details of the damage in other regions were not immediately clear.

Putin says Russia does not need to use nuclear weapons for victory in Ukraine

Russian president Vladimir Putin said there was no need to use nuclear weapons to deliver victory for Moscow in Ukraine, the strongest signal yet from the Kremlin chief that there will not be a nuclear strike.

Mr Putin, whose forces have been making advances in eastern Ukraine in recent months, said he did not see the conditions for the use of such weapons and requested that people stop discussing the nuclear topic.

However, Mr Putin, who leads the world’s biggest nuclear power, said he did not rule out changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which sets out the conditions under which such weapons could be used.

He also said that if necessary Russia could test a nuclear weapon, though he saw no need to do so at the present time.

Mr Putin’s response came to a question from Sergei Karaganov, an influential Russian analyst, who asked if Mr Putin should hold a “nuclear pistol to the temple” of the West over Ukraine.

“The use is possible in an exceptional case - in the event of a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. I don’t think that such a case has come. There is no such need,” he said at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“But this doctrine is a living tool and we are carefully watching what is happening in the world around us and do not exclude making some changes to this doctrine. This is also related to the testing of nuclear weapons.”

Biden, Macron get ready for pomp-filled state visit to discuss Ukraine and Israel

French president Emmanuel Macron will host US president Joe Biden today for a state visit marked by pomp and a parade as well as talks on trade, Israel and Ukraine.

The two men, who share a warm relationship despite past tensions over a submarine deal with Australia, will participate in a welcoming ceremony with their wives at the iconic Arc de Triomphe and a parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees before holding a meeting about policy issues and then attending dinner.

Jake Sullivan said talks between the two men would touch on Russia’s war with Ukraine, Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and policy issues ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence to supply chains.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said the countries would announce a plan to work together on maritime law enforcement and the US Coast Guard and French navy would discuss increased cooperation.

Mr Biden and Mr Macron are also expected to discuss strengthening Nato, and both have pledged their countries’ support for Ukraine, though they have not agreed yet on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to help Kyiv. A US Treasury official said on Tuesday the United States and its G7 partners were making progress on that.

UN says Ukraine’s monthly civilian death toll rises to highest in a year

Ukraine marked a significant increase in monthly civilian casualties in May, reaching the highest point in nearly a year, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said today.

It said conflict-related violence killed at least 174 civilians and injured 690 in Ukraine in May, the highest number of civilian casualties since June 2023.

It noted that the main reason for the high number of civilian casualties was the use of air-dropped bombs and missiles in populated areas such as communities near the frontline and Kharkiv city.

“Over half of the casualties in May occurred in Kharkiv city and region where Russian armed forces launched a new ground offensive on May 10,” Danielle Bell, the head of HRMMU, said.

Ms Bell said that the attacks in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, have been deadly and no place in Ukraine was safe.

“The attacks on a shopping center and printing house in Kharkiv city highlight the stark vulnerability of civilians engaged in everyday activities, where even routine tasks like buying supplies to repair damaged homes can result in the loss of life and loved ones,” said Ms Bell.

US could deploy more nuclear weapons on its border to deter adversaries, Biden aide says

The US may have to deploy more strategic nuclear weapons in coming years against growing threats from Russia, China and other adversaries, a senior White House aide said yesterday.

Pranay Vaddi, the top National Security Council arms control official, made his comments in a speech on “a more competitive approach” to arms control that outlined a policy shift aimed at pressing Moscow and Beijing to reverse rejections of US calls for arsenal limitation talks.

“Absent a change in adversary arsenals, we may reach a point in the coming years where an increase from current deployed numbers is required. We need to be fully prepared to execute if the president makes that decision,” he told the Arms Control Association.

“If that day comes, it will result in a determination that more nuclear weapons are required to deter our adversaries and protect the American people and our allies and partners.”

The US currently adheres to a limit of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads under the New START treaty with Russia even though Moscow suspended it last year.

The administration remains committed to international arms control and non-proliferation regimes designed to curb the spread of nuclear weapons, Mr Vaddi said.

But, he said, Russia, China and North Korea “are all expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals at a breakneck pace, showing little or no interest in arms control.”

The three and Iran “are increasingly cooperating and coordinating with each other in ways that run counter to peace and stability, threaten the United States, our allies and our partners and exacerbate region tensions,” he said.

Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are sharing advanced missile and drone technology, said Mr Vaddi, citing Moscow’s use in Ukraine of Iranian drones and North Korean artillery and missiles, and Chinese support for Russia’s defense industries.

Biden promises new $225m aide to Zelensky in Paris talks

US president Joe Biden announced a fresh $225m aid to Ukraine on the sidelines of his meeting with president Volodymyr Zelensky for D-Day events.

Mr Biden apologised to Mr Zelensky in what was their first first face-to-face encounter since the Ukrainian president visited Washington in December, when the two pressed Republicans to overcome opposition in their party to more support for Ukraine.

“You haven’t bowed down, you haven’t yielded at all, you continue to fight in a way that is ... just remarkable,” Mr Biden told the Ukrainian leader at the start of their meeting on Friday. “We’re not going to walk away from you.”

He confirmed he was signing an additional tranche of $225m on Friday to help Ukraine reconstruct its electric grid.

“We’re still in, completely, totally,” Mr Biden said.

Mr Zelensky thanked Biden for US military, financial and humanitarian support.

“It’s very important that you stay with us. This bipartisan support with the Congress, it’s very important that in this unity, United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two, how United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe,” he said in English.

Zelensky hits out at Putin’s claims about Ukraine’s presidential legitimacy

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has hit back at Vladimir Putin for raising questions over the legitimacy of his presidency in the absence of elections in the war-torn country.

In a joint news conference with France’s President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Mr Zelensky said: “President Zelensky’s legitimacy is recognized by the people of Ukraine only, he is elected by the people of Ukraine.”

“I am very grateful for the support. Our people are free. To be honest, that’s what we are fighting for (freedom). I am grateful for the support,” he said.

He added said Mr Putin’s legitimacy is recognized only by the Russian president himself.

“Putin elects himself. Russian people are just a decoration, they only have one actor,” Mr Zelensky said, pointing to Russia’s presidential election,

Ukraine had to undergo elections in March 2024 after Mr Zelensky’s first term ended in May. However, martial law was imposed following the Ukraine war in February 2022, banning elections during wartime.

British foreign secretary falls victim to hoax video call and messages

Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron has been the victim of hoax a video call and messages from someone claiming to be the former president of Ukraine , it has been revealed.

In order to stave off any attempts to manipulate video footage of Lord Cameron from the communications, the government has made public what happened.

A statement from the Foreign Office said a “number of text messages were exchanged followed by a brief video call between the Foreign Secretary and someone purporting to be Petro Poroshenko , former president of Ukraine”.

Mr Poroshenko served as Ukrainian president between 2014 and 2019, and has remained a prominent figure in the country since leaving office.

Lord Cameron falls victim to hoax video call and messages

Russia-installed governor says 22 killed in Ukrainian shelling

The Russia-installed governor of Ukraine‘s southern region of Kherson accused Ukrainian forces of killing 22 people and wounding 15 in the shelling of the small town of Sadove.

Governor Vladimir Saldo said Ukrainian forces had deliberately struck the area a second time today, using a US-supplied HIMARS missile to inflict the largest possible number of casualties.

Leonid Pasechnik, another Russia-installed governor in Luhansk, an occupied region northeastern Ukraine, said a Ukrainian strike had killed three people and wounded 35.

Russian Defence Ministry said Ukrainian forces had used US-supplied ATACMS missiles in the attack on the city of Luhansk.

There was no comment from Ukraine on either incident.

Leaders such as Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron used D-Day celebrations to underline their support for Kyiv, writes Kim Sengupta , but the West is struggling to find the production capacity for the shells and missiles the country desperately needs

Putin claims Russia may supply long-range weapons to enemies of West in retaliation for Ukraine support

Putin claims Russia could supply long-range weapons to West’s enemies

Graffiti with images and messages referencing Ukraine appear on Paris buildings near Parliament

Unusual spray-painted images and messages with references to Ukraine appeared on the streets of Paris on Friday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US president Joe Biden in the French capital.

It was unclear who sprayed the graffiti that has appeared on several buildings in central Paris near the Parliament complex and various government ministries.

Some depicted coffins with stenciled signs in French that say “A French soldier in Ukraine.” Others include a sign that says in Ukrainian “Return the elections back to Ukrainians.”

Speaking in Normandy at the commemoration of 80th anniversary of D-Day, Joe Biden declared that the US and the West is committed to unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, and robust resistance to Vladimir Putin “a tyrant bent on domination”.

The US president went on to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris to assure him that $225 million (£176m) in weapons supply is on its way.

It was their first meeting since December when the Ukrainian leader visited Washington during a Congressional impasse over a $60 billion arms package for Kyiv.

The bill in Congress, held up at the time by Republican opposition, has been passed, easing trepidation that Ukraine would face defeat this year without that lifeline.

Importantly, the Biden administration, after prolonged hesitation, has belatedly allowed Ukraine to use American weapons, chiefly ATACAMs missiles, to strike targets inside Russia -- as long as its not in Moscow and the Kremlin.

Read more here:

Putin’s forces killed his brother. He takes revenge using hundreds of suicide drones to blow Russian troops up

The Ukraine politician avenging his brother’s death with hi-tech ‘suicide drones’

Why African nations are turning to Russia

Russia‘s top diplomat pledged help and military assistance while on a whirlwind tour of several countries in Africa‘s sub-Saharan region of Sahel this week, as Moscow seeks to grow its influence in the restive, mineral-rich section of the continent.

Russia is emerging as the security partner of choice for a growing number of African governments in the region, displacing traditional allies like France and the United States.

Sergey Lavrov, who has made several trips to Africa in recent years, this week stopped in Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Chad.

‘There is more to do’ to avoid repeat of Second World War, warns army chief

There is “every possibility” that a conflict on the scale of the Second World War could embroil Europe in the coming years, the outgoing head of the British army has claimed.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, 58, who will step down in the coming days after two years in post, issued the comments in Portsmouth at an event to commemorate the D-Day operation of 6 June 1944.

Having recently returned from a visit to British troops in Poland, Gen Sanders heralded the progression of the British army but added that there was “more to do” and urged the military to ramp up its readiness for war.

‘There is more to do’ to avoid repeat of WWII, warns army chief

At D-Day ceremony, American veteran hugs Ukraine's Zelenskyy and calls him a savior

An American veteran and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared an emotional moment at a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to liberate France in World War II, each praising the other as a hero.

Retired Staff Sgt. Melvin Hurwitz, 99, and other veterans were introduced to the foreign dignitaries remembering the landings in Normandy on Thursday.

When he met Zelenskyy, Hurwitz kissed the Ukrainian leader’s hand and pulled him in for an extended hug, exclaiming: “Oh, you’re the savior of the people!”

Inside the escape from a Ukraine border village as Putin’s forces closed in: ‘Mummy, when will this war end?’

Nine-year-old Sasha rushed down to the basement as Russian-launched drones buzzed in the sky above him. He was terrified, shivering as he desperately tried to block out the noise of the “Shaheds”, the Iranian-designed drones that have become a deadly feature of Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

The boy was living with his mother and five siblings in the village of Zakharivka, just a few miles from the Russian forces advancing across the border into Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. The region has been the scene of intense fighting for weeks.

This was five days after the Russian attack had started in the middle of May. Poor defensive fortifications and severed communication lines, the result of Russian signal jammers, had caught Ukraine’s forces off guard. Moscow’s troops had then pushed rapidly across the border.

Inside the escape from a Ukraine border village as Putin’s forces closed in

Biden announces $225m arms package for Ukraine as he meets with Zelensky in France

The US will soon dispatch an arms and aid package to Ukraine amounting to $225million as Kyiv works to repel renewed Russian attacks, President Joe Biden said on Friday.

Biden announced the new tranche of defense assistance in Paris during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after the Ukrainian president joined the US president and other world leaders for ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

In remarks at the American cemetery in Normandy during the ceremony, Biden had described Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a modern-day analog of the war against Hitler and Nazism while stressing the importance of beating back isolationist sentiment, providing an implicit contrast with his predecessor and likely 2024 election opponent, former president Donald Trump.

Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa tells Putin that Russia is a reliable ally

Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa said Russia was a consistent ally of his country, and criticised the West for imposing a global order which he said had marginalised the Global South.

Mnangagwa was speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on a stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Mr Mnangagwa called “my dear brother”.

Watch: Zelensky's heartbreaking exchange with D-Day veteran

Ukraine has right to strike 'legitimate targets in russia', nato chief says.

Ukraine has the right to attack legitimate military targets in Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said.

“Ukraine has the right to self defence,” Mr Stoltenberg said during a news conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a military base near Stockholm.

He added: “The right to self defence also includes the right to hit legitimate, military targets on the territory of the attacking party, the aggressor - in this case Russia.”

EU 'supports starting accession talks', Ukrainian PM says

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country’s prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations.

“Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month,” Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram.

Germany needs 75,000 extra troops as NATO braces for Russia threat

Germany will need at least 75,000 additional troops to fulfil its Nato commitments as the alliance adapts its defence planning to face what it sees as an increasingly hostile Russia, Spiegel magazine reported on Friday.

At their Vilnius summit last year, Nato leaders signed off on the first major defence plans since the end of the Cold War, detailing how the alliance would respond to a Russian attack.

The move signified a fundamental shift - Nato had seen no need to draw up such plans for decades, as it fought smaller wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and felt certain post-Soviet Russia no longer posed an existential threat.

Nato and national military planners have been busy translating the plans into concrete requirements, identifying shortages of troops, weapons and other equipment needed to defend against a Russian attack that could, according to the German military’s top brass, come as early as 2029.

US president Joe Biden has apologised for a month-long delay in approving weapons for Ukraine and told Zelensky “we’re still in.”

Speaking in Paris, where they both attended ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Biden apologized to the Ukrainian people for the weeks of not knowing if more assistance would come while conservative Republicans in Congress held up a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine for six months.

Still, the Democratic president insisted that the American people were standing by Ukraine for the long haul. “We’re still in. Completely. Thoroughly,” he said.

Trump claims nuclear war is a greater threat to the world than climate crisis

Donald Trump has downplayed the threat of the climate crisis in his latest interview with Fox News, insisting that international unrestand the danger of nuclear war are of far greater concern, declaring: “The only global warming that matters to me is nuclear global warming.”

The Republican presidential candidate and convicted felon sat down with the conservative network’s anchor Sean Hannity to lambast Joe Biden for emphasising environmentalism over the threat of nuclear war.

“I love this country. I don’t want to see this country get into a nuclear war and be so badly damaged. What we say won’t matter. This won’t matter.

This place won’t matter, nothing will matter because practically nothing is going to be here anymore,” Trump told Hannity, outlining his nightmarish vision of man-made apocalypse.

French citizen arrested in Moscow on charges of collecting military data

Watch live: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes to Ukraine

Live: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes

Read more by Tom Watling here:

Russian naval vessels that will be making port in Cuba next week is an attempt to invoke the historical memory of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, according to a leading thinktank.

The Cuban ministry of the revolutionary armed forces announced yesterday that four Russian northern fleet vessels would make an official visit to the port of Havana between 12-17 June.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the move was “likely part of a larger effort to invoke the historical memory of the Cuban missile crisis as part of Russia’s reflexive control campaign to encourage US self-deterrence”.

Moscow accuses Ukraine of using US rockets to shell civilian targets inside Russia

The Russian foreign ministry accused Ukraine of using US- supplied HIMARS rockets to shell civilian targets in Russia’s Belgorod region and of being responsible for the deaths of women and children.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova set out the allegation at a news conference held on the sidelines of an economic forum in St Petersburg.

She said fragments of the HIMARs rockets would serve as proof of what had happened.

Russia detains French NGO worker in Moscow on spying charges

Russia has arrested a French NGO worker on suspicion of spying on its military, a move that is likely to further strain already frought relations with Paris.

The Russian authorities claimed, without providing evidence, that the Frenchman was involved in the “targeted collection of information in the field of military-technical activities of the Russian Federation”.

They have launched a criminal case against him for allegedly violating the country’s law requiring any person receiving foreign support to register as a “foreign agent”.

Ukraine military downs nearly 50 drones

Ukrainian forces drowned 48 drones and five cruise missiles overnight, the military said in its morning update today.

The drones were launched from occupied Crimea, the Russian town of Yeysk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, located on the coast of the Azov Sea, it added.

Russia reportedly flew Tu-95MS bomber planes to launch Kh-101 cruise missiles from Saratov Oblast.

Biden draws comparison between World War II and Ukraine

US president Joe Biden yesterday drew parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and World War II throughout his speech commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.

Mr Biden warned “the autocrats of the world are watching closely to see what happens in Ukraine”.The president vowed that the US would “not walk away” from the conflict, claiming “if we do, Ukraine will be subjugated, and it will not end there”.

“Ukraine’s neighbours will be threatened, all of Europe will be threatened.”

Zelensky meets Biden and Macron in France

Biden calls putin a ‘dictator’.

US president Joe Biden said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is “not a decent man” but “a dictator” amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“He’s a dictator, and he’s struggling to make sure he holds his country together while still keeping this assault going,” Mr Biden told ABC World News during his trip to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

When asked about the US administration’s decision to authorise Ukraine to use American weapons to strike inside Russia, Mr Biden said the weapons were authorised to be used “in proximity to the border”.

“We’re not authorising strikes 200 miles into Russia, and we’re not authorising strikes on Moscow, on the Kremlin.”

“We’re not talking about giving them weapons to strike Moscow, to strike the Kremlin, to strike against — just across the border, where they’re receiving significant fire from conventional weapons used by the Russians to go into Ukraine to kill Ukrainians.”

President Emmanuel Macron said France plans to provide Mirage 2000 warplanes to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots this summer.

Mr Macron did not specify how many single-engine jet fighters would be provided, by when or under what financial terms.

He said France had proposed to train 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers but did not clarify where the soldiers would be trained.

He made the announcement on the occasion of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to France as part of D-Day anniversary celebrations.

Mr Zelensky earlier in September said he had struck an agreement on training Ukraine pilots in France in conversation with Macron.

The head of the Ukrainian Air Force said in January that French Mirage aircraft may reinforce the Ukrainian air force.

US to send new $225m military aid package to Ukraine

The US will send about $225m in military aid to Ukraine, US officials said Thursday, in a new package that includes ammunition Kyiv’s forces could use to strike threats inside Russia to defend the city of Kharkiv from a heavy Russian assault.

The officials said the aid includes munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, as well as mortar systems and an array of artillery rounds. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss aid not yet publicly announced.

Under a new US directive, Ukraine can use such weapons to strike across the border into Russia if forces there are attacking or preparing to attack.

That change, however, does not alter US policy that directs Ukraine not to use American-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions to strike offensively inside Russia, according to US officials.

US to send new $225 million military aid package to Ukraine, officials say.

Russian warships headed to Caribbean for drills as tensions rise

The US has tracked Russian warships and aircraft that are expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise in the coming weeks.

The ships also are expected possibly to make port calls in Venezuela and Cuba, as Russia establishes a Western Hemisphere military presence that the senior Biden administration officials said was notable but not concerning.

The exercise will involve a “handful” of Russian ships and support vessels, the two officials said.

It’s not the first time Russia has sent its ships to the Caribbean.

This exercise, however, is taking place as Russian president Vladimir Putin has suggested that Moscow could take “asymmetrical steps” elsewhere in the world in response to president Joe Biden‘s decision to allow Ukraine to use US-provided weapons to strike inside Russia to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Russia detains French man for ‘espionage’

The authorities in Russia have arrested a French NGO worker on suspicion of allegedly gathering information about the activities of Vladimir Putin’s military.

A criminal case has been launched against the Frenchman for allegedly violating Russia’s law that requires a person receiving foreign support to register as a “foreign agent”.

Moscow said the man, who it did not name, was involved in the “targeted collection of information in the field of military [and] military-technical activities of the Russian Federation”.

“Such information, if obtained by foreign sources, may be used against the security of the state,” it added.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue told AFP it was trying to secure the release of a member of its team, identifying him as Laurent Vinatier.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue is a Geneva-based non-profit that works to prevent and resolve armed conflicts through mediation and discreet diplomacy, according to its website.

“We are aware that Laurent Vinatier, an adviser at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, has been detained in Russia,” it said in a statement. “We are working to get more details of the circumstances and to secure Laurent’s release.”