KUCHING, Oct 23: Pet owners should not miss the opportunity to get their dogs vaccinated against rabies and microchipped for free at the upcoming Health and Education Awareness programme happening at Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here this Saturday (Oct 26) from 9am to 3.30pm.
The programme held in conjunction with World Rabies Day, which is observed annually on Sept 28, is expected to be officiated at by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The programme is organised by Ministry of Local Government and Housing in collaboration with Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH), Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak, Public Communication Unit Sarawak (UKAS), Kuching South City Commission (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) and Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
A media release emphasised that the main objective of the programme is to enhance public awareness regarding rabies which is still prevalent in Sarawak.
The programme will include a series of rabies awareness talks by various stakeholders and collaborators, giving updated information about the rabies situation in Sarawak, key measures taken to fight and eradicate rabies, and pet ownership, as well as an exhibition.
There will be free anti-rabies dog vaccination and dog microchipping, for which dog owners will be required to show a valid dog licence.
All four local councils — MBKS, DBKU, MPP and MPKS — will be setting up counters at the venue to facilitate owners to get their pets registered to obtain the licence and subsequently be eligible for free vaccination and microchipping.
Dog owners are urged to get all dogs vaccinated in this crucial period as Sarawak is targeting to get at least 70 per cent of the dog population vaccinated against rabies in hope of breaking the chain of rabies infections and containing the disease. — DayakDaily
