Pregnant neighbor peeves pet owners with parasites complaint

An Anhui Province man got netizens howling in disapproval after he told neighbors to “get rid” of their pets for the safety of his pregnant wife, Sina reported on Saturday.

In a notice posted in the Hefei residential complex Wednesday, the resident announced his wife’s pregnancy and that any pet in the area posed a hazard to their unborn baby’s health.

“Cats and dogs are harmful to pregnant women, and they can infect babies with all kinds of diseases,” read the notice.

“Please send away your dogs during the duration of my wife’s pregnancy, or get rid of them altogether,” read the notice.

“Do not feed strays… because they bring harmful bacteria,” it continued.

The couple’s worry is likely fueled by the widespread belief that cats give pregnant women toxoplasmosis – a parasitic disease that can lead to birth defects.

While the parasite can be transmitted through feline feces, cases are extremely rare, and humans are more likely to contract the disease through uncooked meat and vegetables, research shows.

Sina Weibo users had their pitchforks ready. “His family is not suited for life on Earth – go buy a house on Mars,” user “Wenwen” commented.

“Should everyone shut their Wi-fi to limit radiation exposure, too?” wrote “Xu Dabao.”