BY VOON YIH BOON
KUCHING: A rabies vaccination drive held in connection with the World Rabies Day 2020 at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Community Hall today was a huge hit.
Many responsible dog owners brought their dogs for free vaccinations, micro chipping, and licensing.
The World Rabies Day 2020 celebration was launched by the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing Datuk Antonio Kahti Galis, who represented Deputy Chief Minister cum Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
It was organised by the state Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and local councils.
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed several attendees at the event for their views on the programme.
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Dr Jackie Peter, 28, vet at DVS
To eliminate rabies in Sarawak, collaboration is required between the government and dog owners. We carry out our duties and are responsible in organising such programmes almost every weekend and it might last until the end of this year. Responsible owners are encouraged to take this opportunity to vaccine their dog.
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Farrah Marcel, 35, civil servant
It is really good that the Sarawak government always encourages the public to be responsible dog owners. To become a responsible dog owner, it is not enough to only provide rabies vaccinations for your dog — other vaccinations must be carried out as well.
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Teo Kien Yung, 29, engineer
I applaud the organiser for contributing their services and funds to provide this programme for free vaccinations, licensing, and even micro-chipping. As you know, if we vaccinate our dog at any private veterinary clinic, the cost will be around RM100 or more.
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Adela Marcella, 24, waitress
I think this is an excellent programme for all dog owners, because not every dog owner can afford to pay for the rabies vaccination. Through this programme, I believe the public will better understand the importance of vaccinating their dog regularly.
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Caroline Bryn Rijun, 31, JKR consultant
In my opinion, this programme is worthy of praise! Vaccinations can prevent your dog from being infected with rabies. We as dog owners cannot guarantee that our dog would not be infected by the virus even if they only stay within the house compound.
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Leon Tan Boon Kai, 24, supervisor
I am thankful and happy for this programme from the state government which includes free vaccinations for dogs. As responsible dog owners, we need to be mindful of what our dogs are doing and prevent them from coming into contact with stray dogs.
