MP: Ensure antirabies personnel follow protocol during operation

KUCHING: The relevant authority needs to ensure its personnel adhere to proper protocol when curbing the spread of rabies, says Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

According to him, the State Disaster Management Committee needs to clear the air over allegations that personnel involved in the ongoing integrated operation against rabies had trespassed onto a private property to catch dogs.

“A proper explanation from the committee is required on these allegations, including that about eight dogs were caught despite them wearing collars indicating they were already vaccinated against rabies.

“It is vital the committee clarifies if such practices are true or not,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Earlier this year, State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah announced that the first integrated operation to contain rabies in the state would be carried out from March 1 to March 10.

Uggah had assured that proper protocols, including non-usage of guns and bullets as well as identification of dogs without owners, would be followed.

Dr Yii, meanwhile, stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability by the committee to avoid unwanted incidents or abuse of dogs with owners and have been vaccinated.

He also encouraged members of the public to continue ensuring their dogs get proper vaccination and to keep them in enclosed environment to avoid rabies from being spread further.