China’s deadly ‘wet markets’ that are notorious for allegedly being the ‘creators of coronavirus’ have reopened, at a time when rest of the world is dealing with a full-blown pandemic. But, they are not the only one. Also Read - China Reopens 'Wet Markets' Selling Bats, Cats and Dogs Despite Ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic

Reportedly, New York City too has over 80 wet markets that sell ten animal species, including goats, sheep, chickens, guinea hens, rabbits, pigeons, Muscovy ducks, and quail, as per a report by Theirturn.net. These establishments, just like China’s live markets, are ill-famed for being unhygienic and cruel to animals–a recipe for disaster.

As per PETA, live-animal markets are blood-soaked slaughterhouses where the public can choose live animals, such as chickens and rabbits, who are then slaughtered while the customer waits. Apart from this absolute barbarism, these animals are kept in cramped, and filthy cages, while being denied food and water

Since 2016, animal rights activists, epidemiologists and public health advocates have been pleading to the authorities to shut these markets down in order to prevent the transmission and spread of infectious diseases, but to no avail.

“New York City’s wet markets are a ticking time bomb. If avian flu or another infectious disease is transmitted to just one human, it could spread very rapidly in New York City and beyond, as we have seen with COVID-19.” said Jill Carnegie, a co-organizer with Slaughter Free NYC.

The issue which recently came to light, has sparked outrage on social media, with activists and the public alike demanding these markets to shut down:

Agreed! 👏 ALL live animal markets—including those in New York City—need to shut down right away to stop outbreaks of disease. Join us in calling on the World Health Organization to CLOSE all deadly wet markets around the globe. https://t.co/IesiMED5K5 — PETA (@peta) April 2, 2020

Epidemiologists are sounding the alarm about the catastrophic threat posed by live animal (wet) markets, the source of #COVIDー19 virus. NYC has more than 80. Will @NYCHealthCommr & @DrKhabbazCDC shut them down to prevent another pandemic? Video: https://t.co/NhSyKcqNAU @CDCgov pic.twitter.com/dcvALMEyRA — Animal Rights News (@theirturn) April 1, 2020

Is anybody else shocked that New York City has wet markets? They need to shut them down. These places are apparently near parks and schools!! — sylvia jackson (@seasylvia2005) March 30, 2020

Please sign & share! There are wet markets in NYC! The deadly coronavirus came from a live-animal market in China, yet dozens of similar markets are operating in densely populated New York City. Urge health officials to shut them down. https://t.co/zS7vZ1HxuF via @PETA — Louise Proulx Ⓥ (@Louisepru) March 30, 2020

Wow, over 80 live animal markets (wet markets) exist in New York City. These are places where the public choose an animal and it's butchered there and then. So it's not just a Far East custom. — Scott Harrison (@ayewecan) April 1, 2020

If these wet markets continue to operate, the next pandemic will be imminent.