Good Samaritans save more than 1000 pets stranded in coronavirus epicentre

A group of animal lovers are working to save thousands of pets trapped in homes in the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak.

Picture: Wuhan Pet Life Online

Animal lovers have been working to save stranded pets left in homes since the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China.

In the city of Wuhan, which has a population of about 11 million people, it’s estimated that about 50,000 pets have been left abandoned since the outbreak of the deadly virus earlier this year. Animal welfare groups are now doing what they can to help animals trapped in apartments that have either been abandoned or were left for a short period by their owners, who now cannot return while the city remains 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. Some animals were found sick and clinging to life, according to a report from South China Morning Post.

A thirsty cat receives attention by animal lovers in Wuhan. Picture: Wuhan Pet Life Online

This cat won’t go hungry. Picture: Wuhan Pet Life Online

Rescuers gain access to a property to assist pets inside. Picture: Wuhan Pet Life Online

Wuhan resident and rescuer Lao Mao, 43, said he climbed a rusty pipe to get onto the third floor of an apartment building to gain access to a home where two cats had been trapped and starving, according to Reuters. Mr Mao said 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 said the cat’s owners left Wuhan for what was intended to be a three-day trip before being trapped away from home by the quarantine.

A woman wears a protective mask as she carries a dog on a bike in Beijing in China. Picture: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

A woman with her dog in Wuhan. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Mao said 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.

Originally published as Good Samaritans save more than 1000 pets stranded in coronavirus epicentre