Mayor: Suspected rabid dog captured, 13 individuals bi en since Monday
The suspected rabid dog which had been prowling Jalan Chawan here was captured in Tabuan Jaya a er biting a total of 13 people, said Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
He said the canine was caught by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) enforcement personnel on Tuesday afternoon, with the victims hailing from Jalan Chawan and Tabuan Jaya.
“I would like to appeal to the public that if you love your pets and you want to keep pets, make sure you understand that you have to keep them safe, keep them vaccinated, and not let your pets roam freely outdoor,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He also appealed for cooperation from nongovernmental organisations to seek a balanced approach in overcoming the rabies menace.
“We appeal to nongovernmental organisations to work together and not to point fingers at each other. We will need to find a balance because we have to protect the lives of the public.
“We like constructive suggestions but not pointing fingers at us as if we are the killers. We are just doing our job,” he said.
According to Wee, it was initially thought the dog had bi en 12 people between Monday and Tuesday, but a 13th person came forward yesterday to inform of having been bi en by the same dog.
The canine, he added, has been sent for rabies-sampling test.
He also stressed the importance for those who have been bi en or scratched by dogs or cats to seek immediate rabies treatment.
Meanwhile, Wee also informed that the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) dog shelter at Jalan Penrissen here has already reached full capacity.