Kuching, Serian local councils begin removal of stray dogs
KUCHING: The State Disaster Management Committee ( Rabies Outbreak) has instructed the local councils in Kuching and Serian divisions to carry out mass removal of stray dogs in housing estates, starting yesterday to Jan 7.
The exercise is to contain the spread of rabies in Kuching and Serian divisions and the state as a whole.
“Up to date, 42,000 stray dogs in the whole state have been vaccinated against rabies,” said Veterinary Services Department acting state director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.
“In today’s (yesterday) operation, we will remove stray dogs at Matang Jaya, Taman Jutaria and Taman Dahlia in Matang from 3pm till 10pm,” he added.
Dr Adrian was met by reporters at Taman Dahlia yesterday where a team from various councils, namely Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU), Kuching South City Council ( MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council, Bau District Council, Serian District Council and Lundu District Council were also present to carry out their search for strays at the housing estate.
He said that it is an offence for dog owners to let their dog go astray, for which they can be fined up to RM2,000 under Sections 37,38,39 and 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999.
“It is best that the dog be spayed or neutered so that we can keep control of the animal as a way to prevent rabies. And if the dog is not vaccinated, the owner can just
Up to date, 42,000 stray dogs in the whole state have been vaccinated against rabies.
bring it to the Veterinary Services Department,” he said.
He added that once the dog is vaccinated, a record of the animal will be kept so that the authority can monitor the dog’s vaccination records and for follow-up.
Dr Adrian said all the stray dogs would be put to sleep properly and disposed of if no one claims them. He said the owners of dogs that had been removed could claim their animals within 48 hours from the Department of Veterinary Services or SSPCA before the animals are put to sleep and disposed of by incinerator.
Dr Adrian said the state will only clear of rabies when there are no more dogs or other animals carrying the disease after a period of two years.
The state Medical Department recorded 2,424 reported cases of dog bites in Kuching from July 1 last year until Jan 1 this year, surpassing the total number of dog bites in Serian, which is 2,233, over the same period.
Despite being under control, the state is going all out to ensure that the disease does not claim more victims. To date, the number of rabies victims in the state stands at six, with the latest victim, who was admitted in August last year, still in critical condition.
Also present at the operation in Matang Jaya was Ministry of Local Government and Housing public health chief Dr Cheong Yaw Ling.
Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Veterinary Services Department acting state director