KUCHING: Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) concurs with a warning by Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) that drastic action will be taken against those who allow their pets to roam freely outside their compounds.
Its president Datin Donna Drury-Wee said one has to remember that when pets roam freely, they may mingle with unvaccinated animals, get into fights and thus spread the disease.
“We would like to remind all pet owners to vaccinate their pets every year against rabies.
“This cannot be emphasised enough as it is the only way to ensure the safety and health of your pet and your family,” she told New Sarawak Tribune on Friday (Dec 4).
She said it was important to keep pets safe by keeping them within the house compound and vaccinating them as well.
“Those who cannot afford to vaccinate their pets at a private clinic, or have missed the mass vaccination days, the public can always go to any of the vet department offices and make an appointment for free vaccinations there,” she said.
She said each major city in Sarawak offers the free vaccine, as long as there is a vet department office.
“And if you do not want any unwanted puppies or kittens please neuter your pets,” she said.
She said this year with all the different forms of movement restrictions, SSPCA was unable to organise any neutering campaigns.
“But owners themselves should take the responsibility to neuter their pets.
“Once a cat or a dog is five months old, they can go on heat and get pregnant, and they can continue to give birth twice a year for up to seven years,” said Donna.
Under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 Section 40, any owners that fail to vaccinate their dogs will be fined not exceeding RM 2,500.
Meanwhile, under the same ordinance under Section 37 and the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws 2018, upon conviction of letting dogs roam freely, an individual can be fined not more than RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both.
