By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 24: A pet owner was fined RM1,000 by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) this week for failing to bring their dog for anti-rabies vaccination.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng stated that DVS Sarawak has begun taking action, with one pet owner penalised for not complying with the anti-rabies vaccination order outlined in Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999.
According to Section 40 of the Ordinance, all dog owners are required to ensure their dogs receive annual rabies vaccinations as mandated by the anti-rabies vaccination order. Failure to do so constitutes an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding RM2,500.
“Additionally, dogs found without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed.
“So we want to remind pet owners that it is mandatory to bring their pets for vaccination if they love and care for them,” Wee said during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook live today.
Furthermore, Wee announced a new regulation effective this year in which dog licensing must be renewed annually alongside the vaccination card.
“Pets that have received vaccination will be issued a card, and failure to produce it will result in license denial.
“These are among the measures we are taking for rabies control and prevention. Let us work together to end rabies effectively,” he urged.
Wee also disclosed that three positive rabies cases were detected this week, with two involving stray dogs at Jalan Batu Kawah and Jalan Matang, while another case involved a pet dog at Kampung Semarakan in Lundu.
He highlighted recent social media discussions where netizens expressed concerns about the increased number of strays due to pet owners letting their dogs roam freely in the streets or escape during the Chinese New Year celebrations due to firecrackers and fireworks.
“Instead of making assumptions or excuses, it’s crucial for everyone to take this issue seriously and play their part in rabies control in Kuching and Sarawak overall. Avoid spreading misinformation.
“As such, the Council will also focus on microchipping pets,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
