Rabies: DAP member claims mass culling of stray dogs ineffective as cases remain high in S’wak

Lesley Chong

KUCHING, Jan 8: Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Kuching committee member Lesley Chong has claimed that mass culling of stray dogs in Sarawak is ineffective after the number of rabies cases remained high since 2017.

Stating that there is a need to explore more effective alternatives to replace mass culling, she cited Bhutan’s recent success in sterilising all strays through intensified vaccination campaigns and responsible pet ownership initiatives that Sarawak could emulate.

However, she questioned the local councils and relevant authorities’ willingness to change.

“While authorities often discuss punishing irresponsible pet owners, it remains unclear if concrete actions have been taken to prevent this issue.

“Perhaps more surveillance and a shift in incentives, such as rewarding those who report irresponsible owners, could be explored.

“This is especially pertinent given the potential pitfalls of rewarding the public with cash for bringing in strays, including the risk of theft and opportunistic adoption for financial gain,” she said in a statement today.

Chong further mentioned that during the Federation of Asian Veterinary Association (FAVA) Congress 2023 held last month in Kuching, a white paper titled ‘Moving towards a rabies-free Southeast Asia’ strongly discourages dog culling and notes that indiscriminate killing reduces herd immunity by eliminating vaccinated dogs, was presented.

Following her recent conversation with a local council worker, Chong also opined that there is potential resistance from local authorities to change its policy from mass culling.

“When I questioned the ineffectiveness of mass culling, the response was dismissive, claiming that they don’t have to follow everything the United Nations (UN) does. This resistance contrasts with the simple truth that, after six years, the current approach is not working.

“Suggestions such as neutering and releasing strays were met with resistance, raising questions about the inconsistency in the application of rights and responsibilities,” she said while alleging that the relevant authorities believed they do not have the right to neuter other people’s dogs but have the right to dispose of them. — DayakDaily