KUCHING: Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) hopes local councils will follow its standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the treatment of animals.
Its President Datin Dona Drury-Wee said SSPCA has requested that dogs that have been microchipped, with proof of valid rabies vaccinations, be returned to the rightful owners, after paying the council fines.
Otherwise, she said, this would also result in a waste of time and money in getting the dogs vaccinated and microchipped.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune on Tuesday, Dona said, removing vaccinated dogs from communities will also result in lowering the vaccination coverage as the Department of Veterinary Services strives to achieve 70 per cent herd immunity coverage.
“Of course, we are aware that the councils have also given ample warning to pet owners to keep their pets safe during this period of targeted removals.”
“We know that it is a very difficult and sensitive time for pet owners as well as enforcers,” she said, referring to the rabies operation in the Kuching division, which will be carried out until Friday.
The five-day operation involves the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVVS) as well as the police.
This comes after a black stray dog, which had bitten nine victims, had tested positive for rabies on Monday.
Dona also said though mass dog culling has never been recognised as an effective way to control rabies.
If there is a dog that has tested positive in an area, and if that dog has bitten other dogs with unknown vaccination status, then unfortunately those dogs may be targeted for removal.
“It is still very much within our midst in Sarawak despite the state’s mass vaccination efforts which were going very well up to 2020.
“However, it was put on hold as everyone had to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
A total of 11 rabies cases, including eight deaths, were reported from January to April this year in Sarawak. There were 14 deaths reported last year.
