ARCHIVED - Águilas police warn dog walkers not to stray far from home

Pet owners could be fined for not taking the coronavirus confinement orders seriously

As residents adapt to the enforced confinement to their homes during the coronavirus emergency the local police in Águilas have reiterated the clarification offered by the national police regarding the right to walk pet dogs during the restrictions on movement throughout the country.

The instructions issued by the national government specify that dogs may be walked only a short distance – enough for them to meet their physiological needs – and in interpreting these guidelines the police in Águilas have warned that walkers may be fined for exercising their pets a long way from their homes. This responds to the need outlined in Royal Decree 463/2020 (14th March), which states that at all times “common sense and the seriousness of the health alert we are facing should be borne in mind”.

Councillor Tomás Consentino reminds members of the fact that those disobeying the orders to remain at home except in certain circumstances are liable to fines of between 600 and 30,000 euros.

The advice given by the government regarding pets is as follows:

- Walks should be short, no longer than is necessary for dogs to empty their bowels and bladders.

- Contact with other dogs and owners should be avoided (although there is no evidence that the coronavirus can be carried by dogs).

- A bottle of water mixed with detergent should be used to clean urine stains.

- Dog excrement must be picked up and adequately disposed of.

- Walks should be at a time of day when few people are on the streets.

- Avoid touching the animals’ mouths and noses.

- Wash hands after the walk.

At the same time, those feeding groups of feral cats are asked to do so as little as possible and at times of day when few people are out and about.

Dog owners who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 should allow healthy people to care for their pets after disinfecting items such as leads and collars.

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What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus

The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.

The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.

Sensible precautions

The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:

- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel

- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!

- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity

- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell

- Don´t panic!