KUCHING: Owners of cats and dogs have been told to vaccinate their pets, even if they are being kept indoors, to curb rabies cases which have been gradually increasing throughout the state.
Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president, Datin Dona Drury-Wee who made the call stressed the importance of bringing about a herd immunity.
“People probably have a better understanding of herd immunity after the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
In this instance there is a need to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of all cats and dogs in order to achieve this against the rabies virus, she explained.
“Only then can we break the chain of infection and stop the disease,” she said.
Dona added that even if pets are kept indoors, animals are great escape artists, with dogs even able to climb fences and barriers.
Also, owners are also known to take their ‘indoor’ pets out for drives in their car.
And if these dogs or cats suddenly jump out of the car it could lead to them getting bitten by a stray animal, she said, pointing out that it is therefore better to protect cats and dogs before anything like that happens.
She said by protecting pets their owners would also be protecting their own family members, and neighbours, as well as the other animals in their vicinity
“The Department of Sarawak Veterinary Services offers free anti rabies vaccination at various offices throughout Sarawak. However if you prefer a house call then you can contact the private veterinarians who can also give the anti rabies vaccination, for a fee of course.
“In conjunction with World Rabies Day this month, SSPCA is collaborating with PM Vet Clinic at Batu Kawa to do free rabies vaccination and pet adoption on Sept 27 and Sept 28,” she said.
Meanwhile, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud advised all pet owners to vaccinate their pets, especially dogs, as it is compulsory under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
He said failure to do so is an offence punishable by a fine of up to RM2,500.
