Authorities’ Actions Spark Outrage Amid Concerns Over Harsh Measures and Animal Welfare
In northern China, authorities euthanized three housecats in Harbin after they tested positive for Covid-19, prompting backlash from both local residents and experts. The cats were put down on Tuesday evening, with officials citing concerns about the potential transmission of the virus to humans. According to local reports, the cats’ infection posed a risk to their owner and other residents in the housing complex.
The pet owner, Miss Liu, who had tested positive for Covid-19 herself on September 21, had isolated herself but left food and water for her cats. After a community worker conducted tests, all three cats tested positive for the virus twice, leading to the authorities’ drastic action.
Despite the owner’s pleas to keep the cats alive, the animals were euthanized, sparking strong criticism from the public. Many on social media voiced their disapproval, with one Weibo user calling the decision a “crude, simplistic, and lazy form of management” to avoid responsibility.