Netizens organize fosters for abandoned hamsters, as concern group urges owners not to give up their pets

Animal lovers have united in fostering or adopting hamsters dumped on the streets by their owners out of fear of Covid-19 transmission.   

A Facebook group, "Save hamsters concern group," has drawn 4,500 members so far, with users posting their personal information so that they can be alerted about abandoned animals.   

Many users said they can offer shelters for the hamsters, as volunteers report where the animals are found in different districts at another group “Hong Kong hamsters exchange group” with 13,000 members,

"I found one at the staircase of a Ngau Tau Kok building where my office is... I already have several hamsters and don't have room at home anymore, can someone help?" One post said.   

Hong Kong Life on Palm - Hong Kong Hamster Concern Group said it has taken over 60 abandoned hamsters, including those not under high risk, and 130 inquiries about abandoning hamsters after the government announcement of the hamster cull.

The organization advised pet owners to observe whether the hamster had developed any respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose or weight loss and seek a veterinarian’s opinion.

Another group said a government's advisory for people to hand in their pets for destruction is not a legal requirement.   

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department issued an advisory that hamsters bought locally from December 22 onward be brought to the department to be tested and killed. However, the advisory does not constitute an ordinance or legal requirement, and pet owners are not legally obligated to comply with it, Hong Kong Animal Law and Protection Organization (HKALPO) said in a statement today.     

HKALPO asked pet owners to consult veterinary professionals and under no circumstances abandon their pets, saying there is no scientific evidence that hamsters can pass Covid-19 to humans.     

Meanwhile, other animal groups have stopped taking in new strays out of fear that all animals staying in the shelters would be culled if one is infected with Covid-19.   

"Starting Wednesday, we have stopped taking in new strays and rescues. No visits will be allowed except by volunteers. We will stop receiving materials as well," Cat Society (Hong Kong) Limited announced.   

"We will play safe so that not a single cat will be endangered."   

The decision to euthanize the over 2,000 hamsters and other small rodents was made "out of caution," according to Dr. Thomas Sit Hon-chung, an assistant director at the quarantine and inspection branch of the AFCD.   

Government advisor Yuen Kwok-yung said there could be transmissions among hamsters. Their viral load could be so high that they infected a pet shop staffer, he said on Wednesday. 

AFCD said it does not have the ability and resources to quarantine or test the hamsters, and thus made the "unwelcomed" decision to cull the animals, he said.

If you find an abandoned hamster or other pet, please contact the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) at 2711 1000.