Pets in Lebanon are being killed or abandoned over inaccurate claims they can transmit coronavirus
Lebanon is experiencing an uptick in poisoned dogs and pet abandonment after the propagation of false claims that animals can transmit the coronavirus.
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Social media users shared videos of dogs convulsing in pain after eating poisoned meat [Twitter]
Warning: Some viewers may find the following scenes distressing.
Pets in Lebanon have been poisoned and abandoned over worries that animal can transmit the novel coronavirus, claims the World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is no evidence of.
Pets in Lebanon have been poisoned and abandoned over worries that animal can transmit the novel coronavirus, claims the World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is no evidence of.
Social media users reported unknown assailants leaving poisoned meat on streets and properties across Lebanon for animals to consume.
Lebanese media outlet MTV allegedly claimed that pets can carry and transmit coronavirus to people, a statement it later retracted following an online backlash.
The claim was based on reports that a cat Belgium was infected with COVID-19 by its owner.
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The WHO's Lebanon branch shared a video from the Lebanese Red Cross urging animal owners not to abandon their pets, stressing there is no evidence that animals can transmit coronavirus.
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Strict confinement guidelines have been issued by the Lebanese government, including a 7 PM to 5 AM curfew that is followed with varying thoroughness depending on the city and neighbourhood.
Agencies contributed to this report.
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