Pet owners get their dogs vaccinated during the free anti-rabies mass vaccination in Sibu Jaya yesterday. (File Photo)
KUCHING: Mass anti-rabies vaccination for pet dogs will be held in three places today (Jan 27), namely at the multipurpose hall in Taman Malihah, KCPA People’s Centre in Kenyalang Park and at the multipurpose hall in Kampung Atas, Singai.
A statement issued by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee yesterday said the vaccination programme will be carried out by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Members of the public with pet dogs yet to be vaccinated are advised to get the vaccination at these venues held from 9am to 2pm.
The statement also mentioned that the total number of vaccinated pet animals so far are 44,769 comprising 36,737 dogs, 7,987 cats and 45 other animals.
DVS has also received 77 positive rabies samples from 71 dogs and six cats.
It advised pet owners to immediately contact the department at 082-612949 or 082-611607 if they notice any behaviourial changes in their pets.
Dog owners are also being warned that they risk getting a fine and even jail term for letting their dogs roam freely in areas that have been gazetted as rabies infested areas.
It said under Section 37(2) and (3) of the Public Health Ordinance 1999, it is an offence to let dogs roam freely (in rabies infested areas), and to take away dogs from rabies infested areas without getting a written permission from the State Veterinary Authority.
Anyone found guilty is liable to a fine of not more than RM5,000, or jail term not more than three months, or both.
Meanwhile, JPBN also reported that Kuching Division recorded the highest number of new animal bites reported to the Sarawak Health Department yesterday.
A total 21 new cases of animal bite were reported statewide with 12 in Kuching Division, followed by three cases each in Serian Division and Samarahan Division, two cases in Betong Division and one case in Sarikei Division.
Fifteen of those cases involved pet animals (nine by dogs and six by cats) while the other six cases involved bites by stray animals (three by dogs, two by cats and one by a mouse).
All those bitten were given anti-rabies vaccination. So far, the cumulative number of reported animal bites since April 1 last year is 6,158 cases with 2,431 of those affected vaccinated.
JPBN also advised anyone with a history of dog bites to go for check-up at the nearest medical facility immediately.