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But charities on the ground say another surge in dumped pets could be on the horizon if the false reports claiming that pets can spread the virus, which have been circulating since the cordons went up, persist.
Fears were sparked by reports that a pomeranian dog in Hong Kong contracted Covid-19 from its owner at the start of the month. Even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed pets cannot transmit the disease, charities in China said fears of contamination could fuel animal abuse in the country.Care for your pet. Regular visits to the vet and groomer are absolutely necessary. Insuring your pet may also be important to your pet’s health. Emergencies can happen at any time. Ensure your pet gets the help he needs no matter the cost with pet insurance.
There are an estimated 150 million pets across the country, according to local media.
The charity Humane Society International (HSI ), which is working with 35 Chinese animal shelters, said the government-sponsored culling of street dogs in Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Heilongjiang, Hebei, Wuhan, Shanxi, Shanghai has continued to stoke panic.The organisation said there may be “possible panic situations” where pets are left on the street or even killed when life returns to normal in the coming weeks.
Wendy Higgins, director of international media for the HSI, said: “There are concerns we will see a second wave of animals abandoned when cordons are relaxed and freer movement is allowed in China.
“We are holding our breaths and hoping reassurances from the WHO there is no evidence pets can transmit the virus will calm any possible panic situations.
“If you see somebody in uniform beating and killing dogs it perpetuates that's the thing to do.
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Have an extra kitchen drawer? Use it as a dog food holder.
“We are aware of the possibility we could see acts of cruelty or unintentional suffering inflicted on animals.
“We are appealing for calm and asking pet owners not to overreact.”
The group will be publishing an open letter from animal groups next week urging local authorities and police not to harm stray animals.
“When residents in Wuhan realised the evacuation was extended, many residents contacted animal groups pleading with them to enter their apartment to look after their animals, they were very worried about their welfare," Ms Higgins said.“Wuhan Small Animal Association has helped a great many animals this way, and HSI and our partners Vshine have also come to the aid of dogs and cats in Beijing and Dalian at the request of their owners. “Most people in China are horrified by the alleged government sponsored culling of animals.
“There is a bigger animal rights movement in the country than people realise. Even videos of animals being beaten by officials appearing on social media is an act of defiance.
”Where these have appeared on Chinese social media the vast majority of comments have condemned it.”
Use a Roll of Packing Tape to Pick Up Loose Pet Fur. Do your clothes pick up dog hair like crazy? Don’t have a lint roller on hand? One of my favorite life hacks for dog owners is using packing tape to pick off all that dog hair that gets all over your clothes.