KUCHING: The government should announce rabies-infected areas in the city so that pet owners are more aware of the threats posed by the deadly disease to their pets as well as the public in general.
Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Dona Drury-Wee said local councils could then respond with the targeted removal of highly suspected dogs in the particular areas.
This, she said, would greatly reduce human and pet exposure and would certainly be a more community friendly approach.
Dona also urged the public, especially pet owners, to work together with the authorities concerned to win the battle against rabies.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune, she said it was crucial for everyone to ensure their pet dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies.
Although the government, through the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), provides free rabies vaccinations for dogs, all the private veterinary clinics in Sarawak also offer these vaccinations.
“Of course, the private clinics do charge a fee as they need to purchase the vaccines
“The public should be more proactive in preventing rabies in their own pets, and thus saving their pets and even their own family members should they get bitten by them,” she said.
Apart from that, Dona also advised the public to neuter their pets to reduce the strays living and roaming on the streets.
According to her, most of these animals have been abandoned and discarded by humans who do not want to have too many animals in their homes.
“This is a constant problem that all animal welfare groups are dealing with in Sarawak – the indiscriminate abandoning of unwanted animals by irresponsible owners.
“These animals, our pets and their babies, are our responsibility. If you don’t want the added burden of more animals in your home, then please neuter your pets,” she said.
Dona added for those who could not afford to spay their female pets, they could neuter the male pets which was a simpler and cheaper option.
“We all need to work together to eradicate rabies. Thus, vaccinate your pets, keep your pets safe within your compounds, walk your dogs on a leash so both of you get some exercise and neuter your pets to prevent unwanted population growth,” she added.
Sarawak reported the eighth rabies fatality yesterday (May 11) after a 50-year-old man from Kampung Bumbok, Jalan Batu Kitang died due to the disease.
Meanwhile, the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has joined forces with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) on joint operations in six areas to carry out stray dogs catching, vaccination, and neutering drives together with the DVS to curb the spread of rabies.
