KUCHING: Rabies is expected to be here for the next seven to 10 years.
Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Dona Drury Wee in expressing this view said it means Sarawakians must work together to stem the disease.
“Rabies will be an issue for the next seven to ten years, thus it is everybody’s responsibility to make sure pet dogs and cats are vaccinated,” she said yesterday in response to efforts to catch stray dogs at Reservoir Park here.
Calling on city folk to be vigilante and not react in panic, Dona said most countries of the world face similar situation, except for Singapore, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
“Our neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand have had rabies for decades,” she said.
On the numerous free roaming dogs, Dona said there were still many irresponsible pet owners who do not keep their dogs within their own compounds.
She also called on city folk to not feed strays in areas where human traffic is heavy.
“They should only be fed away from footpaths, and usually closer to bin centres. The containers or packaging of the food must be cleared once the animal finishes eating.”
She said food indiscriminately thrown in drains and overflowing dustbins also attracted animals.
“Enforcement of proper food disposal should also be looked into by the councils. The public should learn to throw their rubbish in dustbins or take their rubbish and dispose of it at home,” she stressed.
Dona said a robust microchipping programme and enforcement of the licensing laws may be the answer to pet control.
