Abandoned house pets in Chinese provinces face starvation and death in the wake of COVID-19 evacuation
Most of us are familiar with the devastating effects COVID-19 has wrought upon people all over the world, but one detail is being overlooked in China: house pets. When the coronavirus first broke out in China, residents of provinces such as Beijing, Dalian, Xi’an, Henan, and Wuhan were quick to evacuate, knowing that anywhere else would be safer than their current homes. Seeing their pets as liabilities and risks, many chose to leave them at home. They left enough water and food for a few days, according to the Vshine Animal Protection Association, but did not anticipate that they would be kept from returning for months. Vshine Animal Protection Association has also estimated that the number of house pets left behind are in the tens of thousands. Residents have contacted them to request that their pets be checked in on, and they reported at least 380 dogs and cats that were helped in the city of Dalian alone.
The coronavirus pandemic was gas-lit because of a misconception that pets could spread the virus to humans. Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reported that there is no evidence to show that pets, which can contract many strands of coronavirus, are capable of spreading it to humans. However, misguided residents have been sighted committing acts of violence towards animals, which resulted in local government officials posting notices that urged pet owners to keep their pets indoors. Organizations such as the Urban Construction Administration and the local governments in Hongjiang and Zhejiang declared that animals in public areas would be exterminated immediately to prevent the spread of the virus.
Much like the growing xenophobia and racism in the United States today, the spread of misinformation and ignorance has resulted in the suffering of thousands of our beloved house pets. Of course, the lives of people should be prioritized, but the slaughter of animals is cruel and unnecessary in this case. As for the owners who left their pets at home while they evacuated, it would be unfair to blame them for putting the lives of themselves and their family first. All we can do is make sure that people know their animals are of no danger to them, and support organizations like VAPA. See some of the work they do at the Asia for Animals (AfA) coalition website, asiaforanimals.com.
Featured Image- A cute pug dawns his mask in light of the COVID-19 outbreak Courtesy of RicksDogDeli
by Brendan Wang