By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 20: The Pet Walk 2025, set to take place on April 27 at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Foyer, has already registered around 500 participants and 150 pets, including a turtle, a rabbit and a fish.
Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Dona Drury-Wee said the three-kilometre walk aims to raise awareness about rabies vaccination and responsible pet ownership, with a target of 1,000 participants.
“Dog owners must ensure their pets have valid rabies vaccinations to participate in the walk,” she reminded.
To facilitate this, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak, in collaboration with MBKS, will hold a mass rabies vaccination drive on April 12 at the MBKS Community Hall from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
“We encourage the public to take advantage of this free vaccination service,” she said at a press conference alongside MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, where they also announced the upcoming mass anti-rabies vaccination, dog licensing, microchipping, and subsidised neutering programme at the council headquarters today.
Jointly organised by Pertubuhan Komunitu Progresif Kuching, the Pet Walk is scheduled to be flagged off at 6.30am by Deputy Minister for Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.
Dona highlighted that the Kuching Division Health Office will support the walk by providing free health screenings and a public health exhibition for the public and participants.
“Do come and join us as it is going to be a very fun walk,” she urged.
Held in April to commemorate World Stray Animal Day (April 4), the Pet Walk underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership in reducing the stray population in Sarawak.
Additionally, 50 per cent of the net proceeds from the event will be donated to SSPCA to help sustain its shelter operations. — DayakDaily
