KUCHING: The new Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws 2018 is limiting the number of dogs per property to three dogs for landed properties or one small breed dog for flat and apartment properties.
According to Local Government Assistant Minister Datu Dr Penguang Manggil in a press conference yesterday, all dog owners will now be required to obtain licenses for their dogs.
Under by-law 4(1), once the license has been issued, it will be valid for three years. The licensing fee for sterilised dogs and unsterilised dogs are RM30 and RM90, respectively.
Unless otherwise approved by local authorities, by-law 9 limits the numbers of dogs per property and specifies higher licensing fees are higher for additional dogs. The licence fees for additional dogs are RM90 for sterilised dogs and RM270 for non-sterilised dogs.
Additionally, there was also a provision in the new by-laws which stated any unclaimed dog that has been seized from the streets and impounded after 48 hours will be put to sleep.
“Such seized dog shall only be released to the owner upon him or her paying impounding fee of RM50 per day or part thereof. Any unclaimed dog shall be put to sleep,” he added.
According to Penguang, before this all the 26 local authorities in the state have their own dog licensing by-laws, with each council imposing their own fee at different rates.
“We all know there is an outbreak of rabies in Sarawak, which leads to an urgent need to control the population of dogs, especially the stray ones. This by-law targets to consolidate and harmonise the existing dog licence by-laws, which will be applicable throughout the state of Sarawak.
“It is also aims to help the state better cope with the current geo-environment circumstances that prevail around the people of Sarawak,” said Pengguang at a press conference at Baitulmakmur yesterday. The by-laws would be applicable to all the 26 local authorities in the state and will come into force effective December 1, 2018.
The 26 local authorities are Kuching North City Commission; Kuching South City Council; Miri City Council; Sibu Municipal Council; Bintulu Development Authority; Padawan Municipal Council; Serian District Council; Simunjan District Council; Kota Samarahan Municipal Council; Bau District Council; Lundu District Council; Sri Aman District Council; Lubok Antu District Council; Betong District Council; Saratok District Council; Sarikei District Council; Maradong and Julau District Council; Sibu Rural District Council; Kanowit District Council; Dalat and Mukah District Council; Matu and Daro District Council; Marudi District Council; Subis District Council; Limbang District Council; Lawas District Council; and Kapit District Council.
In addition, the new by-laws also included penalty for any dog owners, breeders and pet shops found keeping any diseased canine, and at the same time provided procedures for which the local authorities are required to comply when seizing a diseased dog.
It also required dog breeders or owners of pet shop where dogs are offered for sale to obtain a license for their business premises from the local authority.
“The license fee for a dog breeder is RM1,000 per annum while pet shop is RM200 per annum, and the maximum fine for contravening of this by-law is RM10,000,” he pointed out.
Also present were Local Government and Housing Permanent Secretary Bakrie Zaini and the ministry’s Public Health Head Dr Cheong Yaw Liang.
