By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 6: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has removed approximately 30 stray dogs and cats to address growing concerns over a potential rabies outbreak after a rabid dog bit nine people recently.
Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng highlighted the situation’s urgency and emphasised the need for collaboration among elected representatives, citizens, pet owners, and authorities instead of unnecessarily attacking the council and making jokes about the issue.
“Surprisingly, for the first time, a cat was being removed after a pet owner was bitten by it and requested it to be tested for rabies,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk online session today.
Between April 16 and 22, Wee informed that there were nine animal bite cases reported in the MBKS jurisdiction, with three dog bite cases reported in Kampung Tabuan Jaya Tengah, Jalan Mathie, and Taman Kong Ann; and six cat bite cases reported in Jalan Song, Taman Linang, Min Chu Garden, Jalan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Sim Kheng Hong, Jalan Abell, and Jalan Stampin Timur.
He also mentioned that a large-scale rabies operation would soon be carried out in Kuching Division. This will also involve the police following the recent incident and given the uncertain number of stray animals that may have come into contact with the rabid dog.
Appealing for public cooperation, he hopes house owners will allow authorities to access their premises if a stray animal seeks refuge within their compounds.
“We will continue to remove any strays found in the vicinity. I hope no one will come and tell me that the targeted removal is wrong. If anyone has a better way, please come forward with their ideas and effective solutions,” he said.
Emphasising the severity of the situation, Wee shared an actual case where a rabid dog gave birth to 10 puppies which were given up for adoption. Still, later some exhibited aggressive behaviour and subsequently bit people.
“This is not the time to attack the council and make jokes about it because we are also doing our part for the city. So we should be united and cooperate because if we do not take this seriously, the issue can threaten public health, impacts other sectors such as tourism, and tarnishes the city’s image,” he added.
He urged the public to empathise with the victims who live in constant anxiety and fear of possible infection, despite receiving vaccination shots.
Stressing the importance of responsible pet ownership, Wee once again reminded pet owners to not only neuter their pets but also ensure they receive annual vaccinations, including protection against rabies, and keep their pets within their premises.
Noting that Sarawak has been making concerted efforts to eradicate rabies since 2017, with a target set for 2025, he called upon residents to take ownership of their city and play an active role in curbing the issue, drawing parallels to the collective effort seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Coffee shop owners who spot stray animals on their premises were urged to report directly to MBKS officers or contact 010-6601919. — DayakDaily
