MIRI: Zero Strays Miri (ZSM) is urging all members of the public to vaccinate their dogs against rabies and keep them within their house compounds.
ZSM president, Sterwina Kho said rabies was not airborne and as long as an animal was vaccinated against rabies, it would not contract the disease.
“You can still pet them and hug them. Please do not use rabies an excuse to cage or chain or even abandon your pets on the streets.”
She added rabies typically spread through bite, saliva or scratches from a rabid animal.
“If an animal is healthy and does not have rabies, its bite or scratch will not cause rabies.
“There are no rabies cases in Miri. ZSM is, however, taking measures to vaccinate all TNR strays against rabies,” she said.
Kho disclosed that all the TNR dogs that had been vaccinated against rabies would be given red collars, ZSM tags as well as yellow PVC chains.
“We hope the public can recognise those with yellow PVC chains as ZSM TNR dogs, so please do not be afraid of them.
“The vaccination will continue until we achieve the objective of making Miri a rabies-free city,” she said.
Those who want to vaccinate their dogs are advised to bring them to the nearest vets or contact Ms Emma at 012 885 3662.
