In the wake of some cases of abandonsment of pets due to fear of spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the State Government on Thursday appealed to the animal owners to refrain from such act.
In a notification by the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, all Chief District Veterinary Officers were asked to create awareness among animal owners to prevent abandoning their pets or inflicting cruelty in animals fearing COVID-19.
The move came after it was noticed that some pet owners were abandoning their animals to stray without proper food, water and shelter.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) had clarified that dogs and cats are not involved in spreading the coronavirus infection. The spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission, the notification stated.
Rather, it is always advisable to practise healthy habits around pets and other animals by washing hands after coming in contact with the animals, maintaining hygiene and cleaning up them properly.