Raising Animals Is A Trend Of Australians In The Middle Of Physical Distancing

JAKARTA - One of the efforts to reduce the rate of spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is by maintaining distance or what is commonly known as physical distancing. A step that requires someone to work, study, worship from home to keep a distance from other people. As a result, some people have become isolated and lonely.

Chris Moysa is one of them. He, who works as a teacher in Sydney, Australia, chose to adopt a pet so he would not be alone in going through the emergency period of the COVID-19 pandemic like most other Australians.

As reported by channelnewsasia, Moysa finally adopted a cat named Fred to be a housemate. "Having a companion of pets can make us smile, because they do a lot of funny things," he said, quoted on Thursday, April 2.

"They hang out with you, they don't judge you, their love is unconditional. So, there's no reason not to love them," said Moysa while stroking Fred, a white cat with her beloved black mark.

Not only Moysa, many other Australians are doing the same thing. Steve Coleman, Chief Executive of an animal violence prevention agency in New South Wales, agrees. He revealed that the number of people adopting pets rose significantly.

"On the weekend that just passed, we saw a nearly 300 per cent increase in adoption across our state, that's just incredible," said Coleman.

Coleman adds, "what is really motivating is seeing a lot of people turn to keeping pets for friendship over the next few weeks, even months," he added.

Even so, Coleman also says, administratively, many people who come to adopt animals at this time are only temporary. However, if you glance at the existing habits, those who already love their pets will take the option to adopt permanently.

Although currently adoption regulations require someone to go to animal shelters, due to physical distancing reasons, adoption options via telephone and digital platforms are being prepared.

“Some of the things we might have to think about are adoption options over the phone, or via digital platforms. In the meantime, we thought about the possibility of sending animals to people to ensure that once again, people still feel safe, "concluded Coleman.