A nationwide cull of all cats in the UK was considered at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's been claimed.
Former NHS Test and Trace chief Lord Bethell said the concern about pets showed how little was known about the disease at the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020. Around that time, it appeared felines could be spreading the virus, and Lord Bethel, who was working under Boris Johnson at the time, said the Government briefly entertained the idea of asking the public to "exterminate all the cats in Britain".
Speaking to Channel 4 News, he said: "What we shouldn't forget is how little we understood about this disease. There was a moment we were very unclear about whether domestic pets could transmit the disease. In fact, there was an idea at one moment that we might have to ask the public to exterminate all the cats in Britain.
Read more: Dog found with wounds that exposed his skull finds happy home in foster care
"Can you imagine what would have happened if we had wanted to do that? And yet, for a moment there was a bit of evidence around that so that had to be investigated and closed down."
This comes as here in Ireland, the Government announced intentions of establishing an inquiry into the State's handling of the pandemic. Key decisions in relation to the format of the inquiry have not yet been made, but it's hoped that the inquiry will be established by the middle of this year, and will inform future responses to public health emergencies.
READ NEXT:
How to spot a dodgy dog advertisement and everything you should avoid
DSPCA relaunch microchipping clinic following heart-warming dog reunion
- RTE's Claire Byrne slams hotels for 'laughing in our face' over St Patrick's Day prices
- Dallas star set to lead St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin
Dog owner baffled as pet gives birth to record-breaking number of puppies
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
