World Animal Protection advocates for humane treatment of animals during coronavirus crisis

World Animal Protection is concerned like all conscientious individuals and organizations regarding the repercussions of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has spread all over the world. 

This concern extends to the impact the virus has had and continues to have on animals. Alarming and heartbreaking reports continue to emerge on the treatment being meted out to animals in human care, starting from reported suggestions to kill animals in laboratories and people abandoning their pets for fear of contracting the virus from animals in proximity to humans. 

Under these trying circumstances, World Animal Protection recommends that all animals in all situations be treated humanely and compassionately. All measures to deal with animals in this situation must necessarily bear in mind the welfare of the animals alongside those of humans.

People shouldn’t panic about the welfare of their pets. There is currently no evidence to confirm domestic animals such as dogs and cats can contract coronavirus.

Pets are important for companionship and they shouldn’t pay the price of speculation, by being abandoned or cruelly mistreated in fear of them spreading the disease. 

We’re urging people to continue to protect their pets by including them in your family preparedness and social distancing plans, having enough pet food available and taking care of them, until we know more about the transmission of coronavirus.