Animal welfare expert Stephen Quandt was part of a group that traveled to Chernobyl, 35 years after the nuclear accident, to participate in a spay/neuter and research campaign for the dogs that were descended from the pets left behind after the nuclear plant disaster of 1986.

In this presentation, Stephen chronicles his experiences in the Exclusion Zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.  Through photos and videos, Stephen tells his story of meeting the inhabitants of the mostly abandoned town of Chernobyl City (you will meet 2 squatters, one a hero of the disaster), the totally abandoned city of Pripyat, and the dogs (and some cats!) that his group encountered. He will discuss the presence of radiation in this environment as well as its effects on the dogs’ lives.  You will also meet some inhabitants of the town of Slavutych, which was built in the year following the accident to house the inhabitants of Pripyat after they were belatedly evacuated.

The Dogs of Chernobyl is a story of resilience, hope, life, and even heroism.  Stephen will answer your questions at the end of the presentation.

Stephen Quandt, Feline Behaviorist, FFCP, most recently with the Animal Care Centers of NYC (nycacc.org) and also of the ASPCA.org, has worked in animal welfare for more than 20 years.