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After killing hamsters over COVID: Hong Kong warns conservationists to not intervene
Authorities “strongly inspired” anybody who purchased a small mammal after December 22 – simply earlier than Christmas – to convey the animal for euthanasia
The Hong Kong authorities in the present day insisted that animal rights activists not cease the bloodbath of tons of of small mammals, which started after the invention of COVID-19 in hamsters, AFP reported.
Following the instance of neighboring mainland China, the territory follows the “zero COVID” technique. The looks of every new case causes intensive seek for contact individuals, native quarantines and mass testing.
The extermination of almost 2,000 small animals, principally hamsters, but additionally chinchillas, rabbits and guinea pigs, was ordered by authorities as a “precautionary measure” after constructive exams for COVID in a pet retailer.
Authorities “strongly inspired” anybody who purchased a small mammal after December 22, simply earlier than Christmas, to convey the animal for euthanasia.
The hamsters with constructive exams for COVID-19 appear to have been imported from overseas.
The choice to kill these mammals outraged animal rights activists. Some gathered in entrance of a government-run hamster assortment heart to dissuade their house owners from deciding handy them over to the authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture demanded in an announcement that the actions of the protesters be stopped instantly and specified that the police had been knowledgeable in regards to the obstacles they created. To date, there are not any sanctions for pet house owners who refuse to half with their hamsters. Nevertheless, well being authorities have assured that Hong Kong has the authorized means to oblige them. They warned that there was an “elevated threat” of animals transmitting the virus to people after new circumstances of COVID-19 associated to different native pet shops had been found.
“The chance stays low, however we’re consistently monitoring it,” mentioned Maria Van Kerchow of the WHO this week.
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