Flat owners under pressure to abandon pets; police and activists intervene

HYDERABAD: At a time when several pets are being abandoned over misconceptions that they transfer corovirus, timely intervention by animal lovers and the police have saved the lives of pets belonging to two families in Moula Ali.
The incident came to light on Monday, after screenshots of WhatsApp messages from the flat owners’ association, asking residents to give away their pets in view of Covid-19, went viral on social media.
“You are all aware of the present sitution Covid-19. The association observed that 204 and 301 flats are maintaining pets in the apartment. In view of the safety of the residents, we advised pet owners that these pets have to be surrendered to authorities concerned immediately or it will be viewed seriously ,” a WhatsApp message read.
The flat owners’ association also gave a deadline to the residents to give away their pets , failing which they will discontinue basic facilities to both the flats .
When TOI contacted Raju, an association member, he said, “The decision was taken by flat owners association to ensure safety of residents under the current circumstances.”
The screenshots of the messages were posted on Twitter by one Srikanth Soni @Srikanth_soni who tagged Rachakonda police requesting them to look into the matter. Soon, the circle inspector of Kushaiguda police station K Chandra Shekar counselled members of the association.
“They believed pets could transfer Covid-19. They took back their decision to ban pets and also apologized to the residents after we spoke to them,” said Chandra Shekar.