Good Samaritans Save Over 1000 Stranded Pets in Wuhan

A group of animal lovers in China has been busy saving stranded pets left in their owners' homes since the coronavirus outbreak.

It is estimated that about 50,000 pets have been abandoned in the city of Wuhan, which has a population of about 11 million people since the outbreak of the deadly virus had started earlier this year.

The animal welfare groups are now doing the best they can to help the stranded animals, that have either been abandoned or were left for a short period by their owners, who now cannot return as the city is currently under quarantine.

The animals— including dogs, pigs, and cats— are at risk of dehydration and starvation and need supplies like food and water as well as having their basic hygiene attended to.

South China Morning Post reported that many animals were found sick and clinging to life.

Furthermore, Reuters reported that a Wuhan resident and rescuer, Lao Mao, 43, had to climb on a rusty pipe to get onto the third floor of an apartment building in order to gain access to a home where two cats resident, trapped and starving.

Mao said in a press statement that the cats had been trapped there for eight days and were frightened and hiding under the couch.

"When he got into the home he called their owners who had an emotional video chat with their pets." he added.

Mao said that he and his team of volunteers had saved more than 1000 pets in Wuhan from starving to death.

“My phone never stops ringing these days. I barely sleep,” he said.