KUCHING: The Department of Veterinary Services’ (DVS) Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) reports that it has successfully vaccinated 95 per cent of dogs in Sarawak.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that many of the dogs vaccinated were unregistered and unlicensed.
“This shows efforts are being made to ensure that we have data of dogs vaccinated in the state,” said Dr Rundi.
“DVS officials travelled to remote parts of Sarawak to work directly with local communities.
“They met community leaders, explained the importance of dog vaccinations, and highlighted that the programme is free, which encouraged many villagers to participate,” he said this during the closing ceremony of the Asia For Animals Sarawak Conference 2023 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
However, despite these achievements, he stressed that challenges remain.
“We continue moving into the suburban areas, and we need more inputs and contributions from the dog owners and councils in mitigating this matter. That means we need to spend money on this.
“However, I am very happy that this morning our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that in the state budget later on, there will be funding for this.
The Asia for Animals Sarawak Conference 2023, with the theme “Education and Engagement Bring Change”, welcomed 400 delegates and 82 speakers from over 23 countries. They gathered at BCCK to discuss a range of initiatives, studies, and projects emphasizing the vital link between animals, education, community involvement, and positive change.
