KUCHING: It was a morning filled with wagging tails, purring companions, and even a turtle dressed in a mini Chinese lion dance costume as over 800 participants gathered with more than 160 pets for the inaugural Pet Walk 2025.
The three-kilometre walk, jointly organised by Pertubuhan Komuniti Progresif Kuching (PKPK) and the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), kicked off as early as 6 am today (Apr 27) at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound.
Among the adorable participants were 83 dogs, 67 cats, three birds, a turtle, a tortoise, and a rabbit, many of whom turned heads in their creative outfits.
Some pet owners carried their cats in stylish backpacks, while others pushed their dogs in strollers, much to the delight of onlookers.
Beyond strengthening the bond between participants and their pets, the walk aimed to raise awareness on responsible pet ownership as well rabies prevention within the community.
MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who officiated at the event, said he was pleased with the massive turnout.
“This shows not only the diversity of our community but also the deep bond between our residents and their pets.
“Pet Walk 2025 is undoubtedly one of the biggest pet-driven community events, if not the largest in Sarawak.
“It is a beautiful reflection of Kuching’s spirit, a city where people from all walks of life, of different races and backgrounds, live together harmoniously, and who share a strong love and care for animals,” he said.
On a more serious note, he said rabies remains a serious public health concern, not just for animals but also for humans.
“It is a disease that is 100 per cent preventable. Yet, if left untreated, it can be fatal. That is why raising awareness is so crucial. Every one of us, as pet owners, as community members, has a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, and our beloved pets,” he said.
He added pet owners play a crucial role in the fight against rabies, and they can take important steps by vaccinating, licensing, and caring for their pets.
In addition to the walk, activities such as free mass anti-rabies vaccination, licensing, microchipping and subsidised neutering for dogs were also held.
Later, PKPK contributed a mock cheque of RM10,000 to SSPCA to support the Society’s daily operations.
Among those present were PKPK chairman and organising chairman Ryan Jee, and SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury-Wee.
