KUCHING, March 2: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is doubling its efforts to offer free vaccination campaigns this year, focusing on anti-rabies vaccination, licensing, microchipping, and subsidised neutering for dogs under its jurisdiction, announced mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Wee elaborated that MBKS will now conduct four free vaccination campaigns for pet dog owners to help curb the spread of rabies and zoonotic diseases in the city.
He emphasised the collaboration between the Department of Veterinary Sarawak (DVS) and MBKS, ensuring proactive measures to address the ongoing rabies cases.
“We witness rabies cases almost every week, so we are determined to maintain control over the situation. DVS and MBKS are working together to fulfill our responsibilities,” he informed reporters at the campaign venue, Mayor Song Swee Guan Recreational Park, Tabuan Jaya.
Wee assured that MBKS would accommodate dog owners who work on weekends during the campaign and cannot bring their pets for vaccination.
Regarding subsidised dog neutering, he reaffirmed that MBKS would continue to subsidise RM100, reducing the cost for dog owners to RM150.
“We believe this is a fair arrangement. Last year, we allocated RM20,000 for this purpose, and if necessary, we will allocate more this year. We will seek permission from the minister for additional funds. This is our commitment,” he stated.
“We will conduct more awareness campaigns and collaborate with DVS and the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) to effectively combat rabies in Kuching,” he added.
In the two campaigns held in 2023, over a thousand pet dogs were vaccinated.
SSPCA president Datin Dona Wee also attended the campaign. — DayakDaily
