Over 25 pets have been abandoned by their owners since the lockdown began in the national Capital.
The major cause of concern is pets being abandoned due to fear of contagion amongst pet owners. Such cases have increased to misconceptions revolving around the transmission of the disease, or a lack of funds or medical resources to treat sick pets. These animals are being taken of by self help groups and non governmental organisations (NGOs) for treatment at animal hospital run by the Friendicoes SECA in Jangpura where they are provided ample food, rest and treatment for injuries or infections.
According to SECA, an NGO, In these tough times, when stray animals on the streets are in need of help more than ever, we ensure that food and emergency care reach as many animals as possible.
“Ever since the nationwide lockdown was announced on the 24th of March, a group of dedicated caregivers from Friendicoes SECA (Society for the Eradication of Cruelty to Animals) have been preparing massive quantities of fresh food to feed over a thousand stray dogs and cats on the street.” “Usually, the animals rely on easily available food from concerned citizens or leftovers from neighbourhood markets, restaurants and food stalls, but the sudden and absolute isolation has left a large number of dogs and cats starving, thirsty and utterly lonely.”
SECA is preparing over 500 kilograms of food daily for them with 4 ambulances covering the areas of Netaji Nagar, Kidwai Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Chankyapuri, JLN stadium, Soochna Bhawan, Vinobapuri, Srinivaspuri, Hari Nagar, Ashram, Siddharth Extension, Delhi Jal Board, Bhagwan Nagar, Vidyut Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan Bus terminal, Bhairon Mandir, Pragati Mandir and towards ITO as well as the Saket-Qutub Institutional area.
Dr Prabhakaran, Veterinary Officer at Friendicoes SECA, said, “We are treating over 35 cases a day. In these tough times, people are abandoning their sick pets. Our staff is working 24x7 on an emergency basis putting their own lives at risk. Keeping with health and safety guidelines, all staff members have access to gloves, face masks, alcohol based hand sanitizers and other necessary equipment to stay safe.”
Geeta Seshamani, Vice President of Friendicoes SECA, said, “We are trying to cover as many areas as possible, but of course, it is in no way enough. Thousands of animals are still going hungry or sick on the streets and every day we wonder if we have done enough. Please don’t start abandoning your pets due to the fear of contagion. There is no direct evidence proving that pets playing a role in transmitting this infection. Human to human transmission is still one of the key infection source of COVID-19 and we must continue to take preventive measures against this outbreak.”