Animal shelters rescue pets left behind by deceased COVID-19 patients

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Animal shelters in New York are rescuing the pets of COVID-19 patients who have passed away due to the disease, such as the Animal Care Centers of NYC, which has already rescued 40 animals.

The animal center’s spokesperson, Katy Hansen, said that pet owners who have contracted the virus need to have a plan for their pets, especially once they enter the hospital. Meanwhile, a cat left behind by its 82-year-old owner was rescued on April 21, New York Daily News reported last Wednesday, April 29.

The unidentified 82-year-old man apparently left his cat in the care of his neighbor Judith Zaborowski.

Since the man was hospitalized, Zaborowski has been dropping off food and water in the COVID-19 patient’s apartment. According to the report, because the place has been inhabited by a person positive for the virus, Zaborowski could only leave the pet’s supplies by the door inside the apartment.

After the man’s death, Zaborowski emailed several animal rescue groups including Animal Haven, which immediately responded to the woman’s message.

The animal group was able to rescue the animal and named the cat Winter while it is waiting to be adopted.

The animal shelter’s director for community engagement, Jennifer Coffey, told the newspaper that the group has rescued around two dozen pets since the health crisis started.

As per the report, over 40,000 citizens of New York City have been hospitalized due to the new coronavirus disease. Coffey suspects that there are more undiscovered cases of pet owners who can no longer take care of their furry companions or have already left them behind after getting sick. Cha Lino  /ra

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