***English and Chinese versions  中英文版***

We are reaching out, as owners of pets and concerned citizens, with regard to the recent culling of hamsters (and other small mammals).  It is now reported that cats and possibly dogs have been tested positive for COVID.  

We are particularly concerned with the welfare of these animals and their fate given the recent stance of AFCD.  

We urge the Veterinary community to actively seek dialogue and solution with the AFCD and any other government departments to ensure the safety of these animals.  

We do not condone the culling of any healthy animals, whether they are registered to owners or not.  

There should be serious and constructive discussions with experts and veterinarians before any decision is made with regard to the life and death of any healthy animal. 

COVID is NOT a death sentence, neither for humans nor for animals.   

It is highly stressful to see what had happened to the hamsters and now the worry is carrying over to other pets.  

Please reach out to AFCD to allay our anxiety as pet owners.  

We know what we are asking is unprecedented but so is our fear for the welfare of our beloved pets.  

Thank you.  

作為寵物主人和關心動物的公民，我們就最近對倉鼠和其他小型哺乳動物的撲殺進行接觸各位。

基於現在有報導稱有貓和狗對新冠病毒檢測呈陽性。

鑑於漁護署最近的立場，我們非常關注這些動物的福利及命運。

我們促請獸醫界積極尋求與漁護署及任何其他政府部門的對話和解決方案，以確保這些動物的安全。

我們不容忍任何健康動物的撲殺，不論它們是否已向所有主人。

在就任何健康動物的生死做出安樂死決定之前，應該與專家和獸醫界進行認真和建設性的討論。

冠狀病毒不是死刑，無論是對人類還動物。

看到倉鼠發生了什麼事，我們的壓力很大，現在這種擔憂正轉移到其他寵物身上。

請與漁護署聯絡，以減輕我們作為寵物主人的焦慮。

知道我們的要求是前所未有的，但對我們的寵物福利, 安全的恐懼也是如此。

萬分感謝。