A new canine center has officially opened in the Kyiv region, funded by American philanthropist Howard Buffett. The inauguration was attended by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko, and Head of the National Police Ivan Vihivskyi. 
Participants explored the center's infrastructure, which includes administrative offices, modern kennels, a veterinary complex, and training areas for service dogs.

“It is crucial that this center becomes part of a larger infrastructure. Ukraine faces significant challenges, and we need resources to restore life in our cities and communities,” stated Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of police officers serving in canine units across the country, highlighting their contributions to public safety.

“Thank you for your service. We have seen today that you have 40 kennels with dogs. I hope all 80 kennels will be operational, and we will be equipped to effectively carry out the tasks set by the President,” she remarked.

A distinctive feature of this center is its inclusivity, being the first canine center in Ukraine equipped with an elevator for wheelchair users. Canine therapy for veterans undergoing rehabilitation will soon be introduced here.

Additionally, the center features a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic capable of providing a wide range of services for service dogs. An Aqua-runner has also been installed for the rehabilitation of animals.

Previously, the canine center was located in Irpin and was destroyed by Russian shelling during the initial weeks of the full-scale war.

Minister Igor Klymenko expressed gratitude to Howard Buffett for the construction of the center and support for the canine units.

“We are in the best canine center in Europe. I want to thank Mr. Buffett, who took the initiative to build this center right after our previous one was damaged,” he stated.

During the full-scale war, the capabilities of the canine units have significantly increased, with each handler gaining invaluable experience.

Since the beginning of the war, the National Police's canine units have conducted nearly 60,000 deployments, effectively aiding in the resolution of over 44,000 criminal offenses.

“Our dogs search for people, for bodies, and assist in demining operations. After the war, the patrol and public order enforcement with the help of dogs will help keep our streets safe,” emphasized the Minister.

Howard Buffett also addressed the attendees, expressing the personal significance of supporting law enforcement and canine services, having been a police officer himself in the United States.

“I want to express my gratitude and admiration. I truly understand the important tasks you are performing. This is a tremendous honor, and I am proud of this project,” Buffett remarked.

At the end of the event, a bronze sculpture of a canine handler, their service dog, and a child was unveiled. This monument is a replica of a similar one located at the canine training center in Decatur, representing the mission of law enforcement to serve and protect civilians, especially children.

“We are talking about a gift from hundreds of American canine handlers. Today, the level of skills you demonstrate exceeds that of any other country in the world,” concluded Howard Buffett.