RSPCA Tasmania is placing into boarding facilities about half a dozen pets per day from people arriving in Tasmania who are being required to enter quarantine.
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Inspectors are meeting those with pets as they disembark the Spirit of Tasmania, giving those who are unable to care for their pets in quarantine the option of having them cared for in the meantime.
The RSPCA has reported a spike in requests for information from pet owners as a result of coronavirus measures, including options for vet services given many clinics are scaling back their operations, and whether owners can attend to horses in agistment.
RSPCA Tasmania stakeholder engagement manager Andrea Dawkins said they could only recommend that all animals continue to be cared for as much as is necessary, as animal cruelty laws continue to apply.
She said the RSPCA had a list of dog boarding facilities that could be provided to those required to enter quarantine, or those directly impacted by COVID-19.
"For example, a worried pet owner called us when the community was first asked to prepare for the pandemic," Ms Dawkins said.
"He didn't have anyone to take care of a beloved pet, should be become infected with COVID-19. RSPCA prepared a list of facilities which would take the pets of those affected into boarding, a list which is now being called upon when those returning to the state need to house their animals."
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All boarding facilities have the required capacity, given the decrease in regular bookings for commercial facilities, which has freed up space.
Ms Dawkins said there were concerns about the potential for pets to be used to worsen family violence situations.
"RSPCA Tasmania is very concerned about the news that a spike in family violence is expected," she said.
"Apart from the obvious fear for the safety of people in family violence situations, we also know animals can be used as weapons in these very stressful circumstances."
RSPCA Tasmania stated that the government was doing "a remarkable job for Tasmanians", but it was understandable that animal welfare directives had not been considered high order planning at this stage.