Remember how, previously, news of the possibility of animals spreading Covid-19 to humans led to the mass abandonment of many of our furry friends?
Well, this didn’t just happen overseas.
It has happened in Singapore as well during the early stages of the pandemic.
Woman Abandoned Her 4 Pet Cats At Void Deck As She Thought They Could Spread COVID-19
45-year-old Zariyah was the proud owner of four cats.
Reader Bao: You mean the four cats were proud owners of 45-year-old Zariyah
Well, not so in this case.
After hearing about the possibility of animals spreading Covid-19 to humans, Zariyah decided the risk was too much for her family and made the unthinkable choice.
On 28 Mar 2019, she was seen releasing four cute felines at the void deck of Blk 31 Marsiling Drive by an eyewitness.
When asked why she was abandoning the cats, she merely said she couldn’t take care of them and left.
A complaint was lodged with the National Parks Board (NParks).
During the investigations, Zariyah admitted that she’s been keeping the four cats for “some time”.
However, because of Covid-19, she decided to abandon them as she was afraid they’ll spread the coronavirus to her family.
Cats Are Safe And Sound
For those who are (rightfully) worried about the abandoned felines, don’t worry.
They’re all reportedly safe and sound.
Two of the cats were adopted by passers-by while the remaining two were rescued by the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Sentencing
On 6 Jan 2021, Zariyah was slapped with a S$4,000 fine after being found guilty of intentionally abandoning animals under the Birds and Animals Act.
She was also banned from owning any pet animals for six months.
For her charge, she could’ve been fined up to S$10,000, jailed up to a year, or both.
SPCA: Practise Good Hygiene
For others who thought of doing what Zariyah did, don’t.
Back in Mar 2020, the world was alarmed when animals tested positive for Covid-19 after their owners were afflicted with the coronavirus.
Then, SPCAÂ Singapore took to their Facebook page to address some queries that they had gotten from concerned pet-owners, including whether it was necessary to “surrender their pets to protect themselves”.
“The primary mode of transmission of the virus remains human to human. You are no safer from the virus if you surrender your pet,” wrote SPCA in a Facebook post titled “COVID-19 ADVISORY FOR PETS”.
Instead, they advised people to continue to practise good hygiene and to always wash their hands before and after interacting with their pets.
“Keep your pets healthy by taking them to the vet for regular health check-ups, ensuring they are up to date with vaccinations and other preventives such as flea/tick control, are on a nutritious diet and that they receive plenty of appropriate social interaction and mental stimulation,” SPCA added.
So, yes, you can still cuddle with your doggo. Just make sure you wash their feet often and wash your own hands before and after playing with them.
On a separate note, have you heard about the man who sped and drove against traffic because he had a stomachache? You can read more about it here.
Featured Image: Google Maps
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
