KUCHING: An anti-rabies operation will be carried out throughout the city on Monday (May 8) in an effort to stem the outbreak in the state.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the operation will be carried out over five days until May 12 involving local councils namely MBKS, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) alongside the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and the police.
“The operation will be carried out in groups and will start in areas under MBKS’ jurisdiction and will be carried out individually by MPP, DBKU and MBKS.
“Capturing of stray dogs will not be carried out all at once but will take some time,” he said to reporters at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Combined Open House held at Dewan Komuniti, Kampung Haji Baki here today (May 7).
Also present at the open house were Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin and MPP Chairman Tan Kai.
In that regard, Wee reminded dog owners of their responsibilities to not let their pets wander without supervision, saying this could pose a threat to the community.
Pet owners are limited to keeping three dogs in one household and making sure their dogs are vaccinated, he added.
“Furthermore, we have also set a policy that vaccination and microchipping be made compulsory.
“After all the councils have shown support to the policy, it will then be submitted to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government for approval,” he said.
Wee added that his party will also improve the local government’s policy and ordinance in the prohibition of animals in food and beverage premises.
In the meantime, Wee urged the public to not point fingers or politicise the operation to catch stray dogs as well as the dog vaccination campaign.
He added that the public, especially pet owners, should jointly take responsibility by vaccinating their pets and not abandoning their animals.
Wee also said that those who have been bitten or scratched by dogs should immediately go to the dog bite clinic for treatment.
