By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 27: The sight of over 800 participants and more than 150 pets — including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and birds — coming together for Pet Walk 2025 is a proud reflection of Kuching’s community spirit and the deep bond between residents and their beloved animals, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
The three-kilometre community pet walk, jointly organised by Pertubuhan Komuniti Progresif Kuching (PKPK) and the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), celebrated the bond between residents and their pets while raising awareness on responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention.
“Looking around today, it fills my heart with pride to see more than 800 participants and over 150 beloved pets — including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and even birds — coming together for this meaningful occasion.
“This shows not only the diversity of our community but also the deep bond between our residents and their pets,” said Wee, who officiated the event early this morning at the MBKS foyer here.
The mayor noted that Pet Walk 2025 has grown into one of the largest, if not the largest, pet-driven community events in Sarawak, showcasing Kuching as a harmonious city where people and animals coexist with compassion and respect.
“This event reflects the goodwill of Kuching South’s residents and our collective commitment to building a responsible, caring community for animals.
“It also reminds us of the importance of vaccinating and licensing our pets to ensure the safety of all,” he added.
Meanwhile, PKPK president Ryan Jee expressed his gratitude to all supporters and announced a RM10,000 contribution to SSPCA to assist with its daily operations.
“Pet Walk 2025 shows that the Kuching community is not just witnessing history, but actively creating it — by promoting responsible pet ownership and addressing issues related to stray animals,” he said.
Furthermore, SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury-Wee stressed that rabies vaccination programmes are crucial in achieving the global target of ‘Zero Rabies Deaths’ by 2030.
Through a partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, SSPCA and the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVS Sarawak) will distribute 700 anti-rabies vaccine doses to support the local cat population.
The event also received support from the Kuching Division Health Department, which provided free health checks for participants, and the City Joggers Club, whose members served as event marshals.
Pet Walk 2025 was also held in conjunction with World Stray Animals Day in April, highlighting the importance of neutering, vaccinating, and caring for pets responsibly.
Also present were DVS Sarawak deputy director Dr Nicholas Jenek and Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia technical manager Dr Eddie Tan. — DayakDaily
