Sarawak starts major anti-rabies operation to remove strays

KUCHING: Sarawak has embarked on a major operation to remove strays and free-roaming dogs off the streets, as it intensifies efforts to combat the rabies outbreak.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the operation, which starts today, will focus on the new buffer zone mapped by the state disaster relief committee between Kuching and Sibu.

The first five days of the mass stray removal operation will cover areas in Matang, Batu Kawah, Tabuan, BDC, Rantau Panjang, Moyan, including Singai, Bau and Serikin in the Kuching division.

Uggah said the state had to resort to drastic measures following SMK Julau No 1 in Sarikei division being declared the 27th and latest area with rabies outbreak last Friday.

The operation organised by the state Local Government Ministry with the police and Veterinary Services Department was triggered because of an increasing number of cases involving rabies-infected dogs and dog bites in Matang, Batu Kawah and Bau.

“We advise dog owners to keep their pets inside the house compound or in a proper enclosure. The authorities will not hesitate or compromise on removing dogs found wandering the streets,” Uggah, who is also the Sarawak Natural Disaster Management Committee chairman, told a press conference here yesterday.

Interim centres will be set up to house the captured dogs. Unclaimed dogs could be euthanised after 48 hours. Following the newest case in Julau, Uggah said the buffer zone has been moved from Sarikei to Sibu.

To stop dogs and cats from exiting the new buffer zone, the state will mount roadblocks.