DVS Sarawak director: 73 pct of dogs vaccinated since start of ops

KUCHING: The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has achieved its target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the estimated 205,000 dogs in the state.

Its director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said more than 149,000 dogs, or 73 per cent of the estimated dog population, were vaccinated during the department’s state-wide Ops Rabies which commenced on March 1 this year.

“We will continue to vaccinate (the dogs) until we achieve our mission to be rabies-free by 2025 (in Sarawak),” he said in his speech when officiating the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) Christmas Charity Bazaar, here yesterday.

Dr Adrian, who was representing Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas

We will continue to vaccinate (the dogs) until we achieve our mission to be rabies-free by 2025 (in Sarawak).

Dr Adrian Susin Ambud

Uggah at the event, reiterated that continuous public cooperation and support are needed in ensuring rabies is eradicated in Sarawak.

On another matter, he said SSPCA recently received a new plot of land to build its state-ofthe-art Animal Village to cater to the needs of animals.

However, he said acquiring the land was just the beginning as funds would have to be raised to build and outfit the facilities.

“This is why SSPCA decided to focus its efforts on fundraising in 2020 for the new Animal Village and has set a target of RM5 million to cover the building costs,” he added.

Dr Adrian also announced that

Uggah had agreed to approve RM30,000 to SSPCA towards its fundraising efforts.

Meanwhile, yesterday’s annual Christmas Charity Bazaar saw 61 stalls with various dishes, products, and items for sale in an effort to raise funds for SSPCA.

In her opening speech, society president Datin Dona DruryWee said the bazaar was one of its biggest fundraising events, raising a net amount of about RM90,000 yearly from generous sponsors and members of the public.

“We are hoping to raise about RM100,000 this year,” she said when met by reporters after the ceremony.

Drury-Wee (left) and Dr Adrian (right) pose with stall operators after presenting them with an appreciation certificate for participating in the charity fundraiser.