The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement yesterday that it is continuing to provide temporary care for pets of people undergoing quarantine or treatment for COVID-19.
The statement noted that a total of 167 animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, hedgehogs, birds and turtles, have been taken into care since June 19.
Macau confirmed its first COVID-19 case in the current novel coronavirus outbreak on June 18.
Moreover, the statement said, through consultation and communication with local animal protection groups and private veterinarians, the bureau has set up a support mechanism for residents in Red Code Zones, who are unable to take their pets to the vet for medical treatment. The statement added that the mechanism provides services for the transfer, medical assistance and treatment of the pets from the locked-down buildings in Red Code Zones.
According to the statement, as of Monday, the bureau had assisted in the referral of eight animals in the Red Code Zones to private veterinarians for medical checks, treatment at a veterinary clinic and the delivery of animal medication to pet owners’ flats within the zone.
The statement underlined that in line with the Health Bureau’s (SSM) COVID-19 prevention measures, private veterinarians wearing protective clothing are allowed to enter the zones’ lock-down buildings to provide medical treatment for the residents’ pets.
This undated handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows IAM workers wearing protective clothing picking up a pet from a locked-down building in a Red Code Zone for temporary care.
