Rabies: Mass vaccination drive for pet dogs in Miri from Aug 3-4

Photo for illustration purpose only.

By DayakDaily Team

MIRI, July 29: The Miri City Council (MCC), together with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) Miri Branch, will organise an anti-rabies mass vaccination drive for dogs at the Taman Tunku Market parking lot area from Aug 3 and 4.

Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said pet owners are advised to bring their identification cards for registration and ensure their dogs are on leashes, while dogs that are known to be weary of strangers or aggressive are encouraged to wear muzzles.

“After the vaccination, dog owners are to quarantine and isolate their pets for 28 days to let them build immunity against rabies.

“They must ensure that their dogs are kept within their home compound only,” he said in a statement today.

Yii further reminded pet owners that in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order, all dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated.

Any owner or person in charge of a dog who fails without reasonable cause to comply shall be guilty of an offence which leads to a penalty of a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 40(7) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO), 1999.

In addition, dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed under this section by the DVSS.

He also said owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37(5)(a), VPHO 1999.

“Dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control either by confining it within an enclosed area from which the dog can’t escape, or tying it up securely, or leading it by a chain or strong leash properly secured to a collar or harness worn by the dog.

“The Local Authority may seize and impound any dogs which are not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws, 2018,” he added. — DayakDaily