If you pass by a settlement and see a cat or dog that remained trapped in locked premises or on a tether, they must be released. Dogs may be in a state of shock and may either reach toward a person or, conversely, unexpectedly attack.
Do not approach unfamiliar dogs abruptly or directly; move smoothly, speak in a calming voice using words the dog may know in Ukrainian or Russian (well done, good, sit, lie down, give paw, good boy/girl, let’s eat, come to me, come here, let’s go).
At about 2-3 meters from the dog, squat down, turning sideways; you can pretend that you are looking at something or touching something on the ground. If the dog approaches you on its own, this is a sign of its readiness for contact. If it does not move toward you, or even moves away, try to encourage it with food. However, note that an animal that has been starving for a long time cannot be fed large portions right away.
If you need to free a dog from a tether, first pour a small handful of food on the ground within its reach, wait until it finishes eating, move in another direction to the maximum length of the tether so the dog can follow you, and again pour a little food on the ground. Repeat these movements 2-3 times. If you see that the animal is already confidently following you, you can try to help it get free. Try not to leave even a collar. It is even more dangerous for a leash or chain to drag behind the dog.
If a dog or cat needs to be quickly carried out from somewhere, put on thick gloves, take a thick blanket or clothing, and restrain it. If the dog allows handling but does not want to go with you on a leash, you can lift the collar so that it touches the base of its ears and passes along the upper part of the throat, and lead it with you.