Do not import pets without proper papers, quarantine — SSPCA

KUCHING: Members of the public must not import pets without proper papers or quarantine due to the risk of potentially deadly viruses such as rabies being brought in, said Sarawak Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Dona Drury-Wee.

Speaking at the fifth annual Animazing Race, Wee reminded all quarters on the need to remain vigilant and not to let their guard down in the fight against the rabies virus.

“Remember that it (rabies) is endemic, meaning it is widespread and ever present, in our neighbouring country Indonesia. Remember to vaccinate your pets every year against this dreadful disease,” she said.

She added that SSPCA is also seeking greater police assistance to monitor animal cruelty, and to help with reports and enforcement.

“One must remember that there is a propensity for those charged with crimes against animals to commit other violent offenses towards human beings, so there is a need to find perpetrators of cruelty to animals.

“There’s been a spate of reports on cruelty cases in recent months, and we would like to advise the public that we have no authority to enforce the law, but we are working closely with the Sarawak Veterinary Department on this,” she pointed out.

Flagging off from Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Animazing Race is an event created to raise funds for the SSPCA animal shelter and its daily needs.

The run is divided into Men’s and Women’s Open (5km and 10km), and Men’s and Women’s Veteran (10km).

In previous years, there was a 1-km ‘Wiggle Waggle Walk’ where families could bring their pet animals, but it was cancelled this year due to the rabies outbreak.

Around 660 runners participated in this year’s edition, and a total of 120 volunteers were on hand to help out.

In the 5km category, Zaiera Solo took first place in the Women’s Open while 14-year old Hairul Nickziury Solaiman came first in the Men’s Open, which also saw five Salvation Army boys placing in the top-10.

For the 10km category, Lee Siew Siew and Aswari Mustaffa took first place in Women’s and Men’s Open respectively. Top prizes went to Tang Sii Eng for the Women Veteran’s category and Sabri Sedi for the Men Veteran’s category.