More than 80 dogs vaccinated at anti-rabies drive in Sibu Jaya
The wet weather yesterday did not deter dog owners from bringing their pets for the free anti-rabies vaccination at SJKC Thian Hua in Sibu Jaya, where 88 canines were vaccinated.
Seventeen dogs were also micro-chipped at the same location.
Running from 9.30am to 2pm, the programme was run by the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sibu.
Organising chairman Penghulu Kong Sien Min was happy to see the good response.
“Despite the rain, the response was good and within a short period, about 20 dogs had been vaccinated.
“This was the first of such programme this year, with four more to go. Last year, we carried out 14 of these programmes,” he told reporters yesterday.
Kong recalled that 98 dogs were vaccinated during the programme at SJKC Thian Hua last year.
“Hopefully, we could get more (dogs vaccinated) this time around.”
The micro-chipping of pet dogs was done by Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC), while DVS Sibu carried out the vaccination.
Meanwhile, DVS Sibu veterinary officer Dr Siong Jing Jing noted that the townsfolk had a good awareness of rabies.
“They know what rabies is and are aware of the dangers posed by the disease.
“In the outskirts of Sibu town, there are still those who believe that vaccination may affect a dog’s wellbeing.
“Therefore, we need to provide more educational awareness programmes,” she said.
Asked on the programmes to be held in longhouses, Dr Siong pointed out that they would be best done on weekends, when most dog owners would likely be home.
“We are still waiting for an invitation from the local authority to assist the event as they arrange for a venue.
“They did a very good job in disseminating information for people to learn about the programme and bring their dogs for vaccination.”
Penghulu Yong King Sung was among those present.