Changes urged

After the case sparked outrage online, some NGOs called for the formation of a national pet quarantine system.

In November, the China Small Animal Protection Association posted a statement on Weibo, a Twitter-like social media platform, saying that no harm should be done to animals in the name of epidemic prevention and control.

"In terms of life, both humans and animals should be treated equally. Pets are not just animals, but partners and companions to their owners. We hope all life can be cared for gently, with love and care," the statement said.

Another NGO, the Tajijin Animal Protection Foundation, voiced a similar request and recommended that the national COVID-19 prevention and control guidelines be updated to add a pet quarantine system to the protocols.

The foundation suggested that pets whose owners are confirmed, suspected or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases should be quarantined for medical observation.

"We strongly recommend that pets should be quarantined together with their owners in isolation and under medical observation," said a notice posted on its website.

In addition, the NGO called for the establishment of local transportation procedures and quarantine management plans for unattended pets. "Specifically, after obtaining the owner's consent, quarantine care and nucleic acid tests should be provided for the animal," the notice said.