Important HRSS Press Release on SARS (Friday, 16 May 2003)

The House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS) would like to call attention to the fact that there is no evidence linking household pets and stray animals to the transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have clearly stated that pets do not spread SARS.

"Some pet owners have unfounded fears about SARS," said HRSS President Kapil Sharma. "We would like to urge all pet owners to remain calm and behave rationally. We also ask people to be wary of certain news media accounts and unfounded rumours that might suggest that pets are a threat."

Even before the SARS outbreak, over 1000 rabbits were abandoned in Singapore every year. Most of these animals were put to sleep. HRSS feels that public hysteria and panic over SARS could lead to more animals unnecessarily suffering and dying.

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The House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organisation dedicated to rabbit welfare and awareness. It seeks to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits in Singapore and improve rabbits' lives through education. For more information on HRSS or its various initiatives, please visit its website at: http://www.hrss.net

For additional information reporters may contact information@hrss.net.