Beijing pets to be slaughtered in SARS fight
Dogs, cats and other pets of families quarantined during Beijing’s SARS outbreak are to be isolated or killed for fear they might spread the virus.
Depending on where the families live, their pets are to be kept in remote areas or put down, said an officer at the Chinese capital’s police headquarters.
“Pets are very likely to be another virus carrier,” he said. “We must cut off any possible sources of infection to fight against SARS.”
Beijing has reported 2,000 cases of infection – nearly half the county’s total - and 110 deaths.
Experts are looking into whether animals can spread the virus, but no definite link has been shown.
In the eastern city of Nanjing, where about 10,000 people are under quarantine, dogs are banned from streets, parks and other public places.
“They must stay at home with their owners. If seen outside, they will be rounded up and killed,” said a police spokesman.
Unlicensed dogs also are to be killed if found, he said.
Pet owners in Nanjing have until Friday to apply for or renew licences, the officer said, adding that a “harsh crackdown” will be imposed on repeat violators of a ban on walking dogs.
