Coronavirus spread: Dogs and cats are not a risk, says PETA India while debunking myths around pets

Vishwa Mohan | TNN | Mar 13, 2020, 14:36 IST

NEW DELHI: In view of Coronavirus spread and concerns over its connection with pets, the PETA India - animal rights organisation - on Friday issued an advisory clarifying that dogs and cats are not a risk.
The group cited several scientific expert statements in its advisory in support of its claim.
"Just as the common cold doesn’t spread between companion animals and humans, many other viral infections in humans don’t find a host in dogs and cats at home or on the streets, as they have different cell receptors, thereby preventing human-borne viruses from causing an infection in them," said PETA India CEO and veterinarian Manilal Valliyate.
He said, "During this time of crisis caused by the coronavirus, it is important that we as a society make all efforts to protect our companion and community animals from any potential abuse resulting from the spread of myths."
The PETA India in its advisory quoted statements from World Health Organisation, World Organisation for Animal Health, American Veterinary Medical Association and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to substantiate its claim.
Referring to specific examples, it said, that Hong Kong's agriculture, fisheries and conservation department has now confirmed that the dog in Hong Kong which belonged to a coronavirus patient and tested "weak positive" may have been carrying the virus in the mouth and nose from contact with an infected guardian but showed no clinical signs of illness, demonstrating that "dogs and cats are not natural hosts for COVID-19 and do not spread the virus to humans."
The PETA India in its statement also shared some tips on how to keep pets safe.
Here are some of the tips on keeping companion and community animals safe that PETA has shared

Never put any face masks on animals, as they can cause breathing difficulties.

Do not restrict the movement or activities of companion and community animals or do anything else that would compromise their overall welfare.

Best practices include making sure companion and community animals in your area are up to date on vaccinations, they receive annual veterinary check-ups, and preventive measures are taken to protect them from heartworm, fleas, and ticks.

People who are sick or under medical attention for COVID-19 should avoid close contact with animals and should have another member of their household care for animals so as not to get the virus on their fur.