Hamsters and rabbits are corona losers
Berlin – From the point of view of the Berlin animal shelter, small animals such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs are the losers of the corona pandemic. “This year we gave about twice as many small animals as in 2020,” says animal shelter spokeswoman Annette Rost. “The former owners probably bought them spontaneously in hardware stores and from dealers for pet supplies, where the motivation is not questioned. And at some point they lost interest in animals, ”explains the spokeswoman.
Although many Berliners also got a dog during the pandemic, the situation in the animal shelter is not as dramatic as feared. Occasionally, dogs are given away where the owners have misjudged the development of the animals. “Many do not imagine that small, sweet puppies will turn into stately dogs, die and want to be mentally and physically exhausted,” says Rost.
Animal shelter: 130 illicit dog trafficking puppies admitted
One problem that still exists is the illegal puppy trade, where sick animals are often passed on and end up dying in animal shelters. “Since January 1st we have taken in 130 such puppies. This is a serious problem, “said the spokeswoman.
The Berlin Animal Welfare Association took part in a nationwide campaign against illegal puppy trafficking in the summer with posters across the city. The aim was to sharpen the public perception of the increasingly rampant animal cruelty and fraudulent puppy trade and to encourage interested parties to take more responsibility when buying pets, it said.
Roosters difficult to convey: “Are loud and don’t lay eggs”
Taps are still difficult to convey. “They’re loud and don’t lay eggs.” Keeping chickens has also become a hobby in the corona pandemic. But taps in particular pose problems for some owners, Rost knows. The Berlin animal shelter is now arranging roosters together with chickens. The chickens are rescued animals from factory farming that have been nursed back to the animal shelter.