By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 9: Two new dog bite cases have emerged in the city, where a dog reportedly bit two medical personnel from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) inside the hospital’s compound yesterday (May 8).
Kuching South City Hall (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said he received the complaints at 7.35pm and had passed the message to Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) whose staff took immediate action to catch the dog.
He further disclosed that one of the victims is a medical doctor, while the other is a medical staff member.
“Blood samples of the dog have been taken and sent for testing. Presently we are waiting for the outcome of the test results,” Wee told DayakDaily today.
He called on the public to continue to work with all local councils and the relevant authorities including the Health, Local Government and Housing Ministry, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS Sarawak) to eradicate the spread of rabies.
Following the recent incident of a rabid dog biting nine individuals at BDC and Premier 101 areas, there has been a combined operation by three councils namely MBKS, DBKU and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), as well as the Health, Local Government and Housing Ministry, DVS Sarawak and other enforcement departments from May 8 to 12, to catch strays roaming the streets.
“As of today (May 9) noon, a total of 71 dogs were caught,” said Wee, who added that after the operation, each local council will continue with their respective efforts in catching strays.
Wee said presently, MBKS is working on introducing an amendment to local ordinances to make registration, licensing, vaccination and microchipping of pets mandatory and compulsory to reduce the issue of strays and rabies. — DayakDaily
