By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 9: Members of the public involved in handling or killing a dog that attacked a woman while she was jogging at a park in Stutong, with the animal later reportedly disposed of in a nearby river, have been urged to immediately visit a dog bite clinic or seek medical treatment as a precaution against possible rabies exposure.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the dog’s carcass could not be recovered, making it impossible for authorities to determine whether the animal was infected with rabies.
“We want anyone involved in handling or killing the dog, as they may not have worn gloves, to seek immediate medical attention. They should visit the nearest dog bite clinic or healthcare facility for further advice and possible vaccination,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk live session with the community today.
Wee said MBKS officers and personnel from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak had gone to the scene after a video of the incident went viral online.
However, upon arrival, residents informed them that the dog had already been beaten to death by members of the public and disposed of in a nearby river.
“As the dog’s body cannot be found, we are unable to verify whether it had rabies. Therefore, we urge everyone involved to take serious and extra precautions,” he stressed.
A short video clip showing a woman being attacked by a dog while jogging at a park in Stutong recently circulated widely on social media. The footage also showed a man stepping in to help stop the attack.
Wee said preliminary information received from DVS Sarawak suggested the victim may have been feeding the dog prior to the incident, although the matter has yet to be officially confirmed.
He also clarified that the dog was believed to have belonged to someone in the neighbourhood and was not entirely stray, as residents had allegedly seen it roaming freely in the area on multiple occasions.
According to him, some pet owners continue to allow their dogs to wander outside unsupervised, creating potential risks to public safety.
“This is not something that happened only recently. Residents in the area were aware that the dog was often let out, but many chose not to report it because they did not want to offend their neighbours,” he said.
Wee urged the public to promptly report irresponsible pet ownership or stray animal issues to MBKS or DVS before incidents occur.
“If we receive reports earlier, our enforcement and dog-catching teams can go to the location, issue warnings and take the necessary action before anyone gets hurt,” he added.
At the same time, he advised the public against casually feeding or keeping stray animals, warning that good intentions could sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
“We understand people want to help animals, but we must also prioritise public safety. We hope the public will be more cautious and responsible,” he said. — DayakDaily
