SIBU, Sept 29: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is set to initiate a campaign in November aimed at receiving unwanted dogs and cats, with plans to handle these animals in accordance with recommendations from the veterinary department.
SMC Public Health Standing Committee chairman, councilor Richard Ting, announced during a press conference today that the campaign would allow dog and cat owners, as well as the general public, to surrender unwanted pets or stray animals at the SMC Depot, located on Jalan Teng Chin Hua (opposite SMK Agama).
Ting specified, “Handover of animals can be done during office hours, which are from 9 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 4 pm.”
He emphasised the importance of safety and suggested, “All concerned parties are advised to take full responsibility for their safety, preferably wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when bringing unwanted dogs or cats to our Depot.”
Ting outlined the procedure for surrendering animals, stating that dog and cat owners or members of the public must complete a declaration form containing their name, identification card details, address, and information regarding where the dog or cat is typically found or was captured.
Ting clarified that the dog or cat in question must fall under the jurisdiction of the council, and he added, “For this service, SMC will provide an incentive of RM10 per puppy or kitten, while an adult dog or cat will warrant a reward of RM50 for those who surrender them to us, provided that the animals are alive upon handover.”
Furthermore, he stressed that all animals handed over by owners and the public would be handled in compliance with the Council’s standard operating procedures (SOP) and with guidance from the Veterinary Services Department, Sibu.
“No claims will be entertained after the submission, and MPS reserves the absolute right to amend any of the criteria as needed.”
Ting also issued a reminder to the public not to enter private residences or properties to capture dogs or cats in pursuit of a reward.
“SMC is launching this initiative due to the persistent presence of stray dogs reported in residential areas within its jurisdiction.
“It is also an effort to combat the escalating concern surrounding the rabies outbreak,” he said. — DayakDaily
