A DVS staff (left) administers anti-rabies vaccine to a dog.
SIBU: Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) is advising all dog owners under its jurisdiction to obtain licences for their pets in accordance with the Dog Licensing by-laws.
In giving the advice, council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said they will soon be enforcing the by-laws.
“We will be enforcing the Dog Licensing by laws after giving ample time for the dog owners to get the licences for their pets.
“What is more important now is for pet owners to get licences (for their dogs) and taking good care of their pets like keeping them inside their house compound and cages. That is very urgent,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah in a recent press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching had said that the local authorities had also been directed to enforce their by-laws including licensing of dogs as well as to advise pet owners to keep their dogs indoors.
According to Sempurai by issuing proper licence, the council can monitor and get proper statistics on the dog population in areas within SRDC’s jurisdiction. He added that pet owners merely need to pay RM2 for a bitch and RM1 for a male dog license.
Last Thursday, the State Disaster Management Committee declared five new areas as rabies infected areas, bringing the total number of gazetted rabies infected areas to 41.
The new rabies infected areas are; Jalan Teng Chin Hua, Sibu ; Jalan Kilang, Bintangor Meradong, Sarikei; Jalan Airport Lama, Kapit; Piasau Jaya, Miri; and Lutong Shell, Miri. In this regard, Sempurai repeated his advice for pet owners to keep their dogs within the house compound.
“They must not let their pets roam freely around their neighbourhood. Also, be alert to any sign of rabies in any infected dogs.
“Do bring your pet for vaccination as a precaution to prevent it from being infected by rabies,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) here vaccinated 53 dogs yesterday. The department conducts free vaccinations Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 10.30am.