Sarawak steps up operation against rabies

KUCHING: Sarawak is to step up its operation against rabies through vaccination and catching and eliminating stray dogs.

State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said yesterday the operation would be intensified with the assistance of the police, military, Sarawak General Operations Force and Road Transport Department (JPJ).

The operation would provide for more effective control of the movement of stray dogs in the declared rabies-outbreak areas, said Uggah, who is a deputy chief minister.

“Under Section 37(2) & (3) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, it is an offence to allow dogs to stray and take dogs out of the rabies-outbreak areas without the written permission of the state veterinary authority. Offenders can be fined up to RM5,000 or sentence to a maximum of three months jail, or both,” he said.

He said owners of dogs in these areas must ensure that their pets were given the antirabies vaccination.

“Failure to do so can result in action against them under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 which is a fine of up to RM2,500 and the dogs can be detained or put to sleep,” he said in a statement after chairing a rabies eradication strategy meeting here.

Uggah said the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department would conduct an integrated operation to catch and eliminate stray dogs in the Tabuan Jaya, Tabuan Tranquility, Stutong, BDC, Tabuan Heights, Stampin and Hakka Avenue between Sept 1 and 30.

“A large-scale vaccination of dogs will be undertaken at the MBKS Community Hall tomorrow, from 10 am to 2 pm. A counter for registration to obtain the dog licence will also be set up,” he said.