In Hong Kong there is a boom in abandonment of dogs and cats due to the new anti-Covid restrictions

With the rise of Covid cases in Hong Kong, the number of pet abandonments is growing. Dog shelters are close to collapse

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

A Hong Kong the number of pets abandoned or left in shelters has grown disturbingly. And the cause seems to be the anti-Covid restrictions linked to the increase in infections. Even planning a trip by plane, in fact, has become a challenge because airlines have again reduced the number of flights to and from Hong Kong and those who choose to travel with their pet on board have to deal with long lists of waiting and exorbitant prices.

And faced with this situation, many Hong Kongers opt for the most drastic solution: abandoning their four-legged friend. In most cases, dogs and cats are left in shelters, which are already full of strays and abused animals.

We have seen an increase in the number of owners abandoning their dogs because they are relocating - says Eva Sit, who works atHong Kong Dog Rescue - With Covid it has become more difficult than before to travel with your pet.

The last few weeks have been particularly hectic for Eva Sit and her colleagues due to the dropout boom.

The dogs Cassius and Roxy were brought to the shelter on March 3 by a domestic worker whose employers have been back home to Britain for some time.

When the maid came to leave them she cried so much because obviously she loved them very much - they say from the Hong Kong Dog Rescue - She has taken care of them since they were puppies. And it is not her responsibility, but her employers' responsibility ”.

In fact, thousands of families have decided to leave Hong Kong to move elsewhere, leaving their animals behind for bureaucratic or economic reasons.

Animal shelters are collapsing

The Hong Kong Dog Rescue shelter welcomes on average about 10 abandoned dogs per month, double compared to the pre-Covid period and has no more space as fewer and fewer people are willing to adopt a four-legged friend.

Every charity has been practically overloaded - explains Kirsten Mitchell, founder of Kirsten's Zoo, another animal rescue center - People deliver their goldfish, their turtles, not just cats and dogs.

Export Vet, a travel agency for pets, says it has experienced a boom in requests over the past three months and has now stopped taking bookings. The Ferndale Kennels and Cattery company, on the other hand, is continuing to accept bookings, but admits that the costs are very high and travel arrangements are increasingly complex due to unstable flight schedules.

Claire McLennan, a 48-year-old Australian, had to leave her little dog in an animal shelter in Hong Kong last year due to a series of bureaucratic obstacles.

It was supposed to leave in January and now we are waiting to know if Qantas will fly pets in April - says the woman - He is a member of our family. He is very sad. It is difficult for children.

In short, the situation in Hong Kong is complicated and dramatic. And the poor animals pay the price ...

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Source: Reuters