Story Of BS Yediyurappa, A Cat And A Lesson In Social Distancing

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa shared a post this morning requesting citizens to feed stray animals during the ongoing lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. The BJP leader took to Twitter to share a photograph that shows him feeding a stray cat. In the photo, he is seen standing some distance away from the cat, following the rules of social distancing that experts say is vital to prevent the spread of the highly infectious disease. 

"Cats, dogs, and birds are suffering from lack of water and food due to the heat and lockdown effects," wrote Mr Yediyurappa. "Its impact is even worse in cities. Therefore, I appeal to all citizens to ensure that dogs, cats and birds get water and food."

He asked citizens to "please be kind" and take the time to keep leftovers and water out for animals during the lockdown. 

ಬಿಸಿಲ ಬೇಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಲಾಕ್ ಡೌನ್ ಪರಿಣಾಮಗಳಿಂದ ಬೆಕ್ಕುಗಳು, ನಾಯಿಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳು ನೀರು ಮತ್ತು ಆಹಾರ ಸಿಗದೆ ತತ್ತರಿಸುತ್ತಿವೆ.

ನಗರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇದರ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಇನ್ನೂ ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿದೆ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ, ನಾಯಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳಿಗೆ ನೀರು, ಆಹಾರ ಸಿಗುವಂತೆ ನೋಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕೆಂದು ಸಮಸ್ತ ನಾಗರಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಮನವಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತೇನೆ.#feedthehungers pic.twitter.com/k7r8NQQrPD

— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 10, 2020

The Karnataka Chief Minister's message was widely appreciated on Twitter, where the photo has collected nearly 2,000 'likes' since being posted an hour ago. In the comments section, many praised him for feeding the cat as well as for keeping his distance from the animal.

Also, maintain distance between stray animals and yourself like Yeddy sir is doing.

If you are infected and you cough/sneeze, stray animals might also get it(Remember the Newyork zoo case)

— ಶ್ರೀಮನ್ನಾರಾಯಣ | Srimannarayana (@normaly_abnorml) April 10, 2020

Good job and great message to people. ????????????????????????

— Ravi kumar (@RaviKumarRH) April 10, 2020

Good job...in our street also same thing we do...,????

— Shital Verma (@ShitalV28278557) April 10, 2020

Thousands of stray animals across the country are struggling to find food and water as markets, eateries and commercial establishments stay closed during the nationwide lockdown. According to Deccan Herald, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier directed authorities to provide food and water to stray dogs and monkeys. The Odisha government has meanwhile sanctioned Rs 54 lakh to feed stray animals.