KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS), in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), will be holding a free anti-rabies vaccination, licensing, microchipping and subsidised neutering programme for dogs this Saturday (October 4).
The programme, which runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, will take place at Dewan Persatuan Bola Keranjang Sarawak , Lorong 3, Taman Seng Goon here.
It is also held in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; Sarawak Veterinary Association; the Divisional Health Office; Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA); and UKAS.
MBKS said the initiative aims to strengthen preventive measures against rabies, which remains a serious threat in Sarawak despite continuous efforts since the state was declared a rabies-infected area in 2017.
“Dog owners can bring their pets for free anti-rabies vaccination, licensing and microchipping.
“A special subsidised neutering programme is also being introduced for the first 100 MBKS-licensed and vaccinated female dogs, with owners receiving a RM150 subsidy to reduce neutering costs.
“This subsidy is crucial in preventing uncontrolled breeding, reducing stray dog issues, and protecting public safety,” MBKS said in a statement.
The council reminded dog owners to bring along their identity cards and vaccination cards (if any), and ensure that their dogs are healthy, above three months old, and not pregnant.
After vaccination, owners are also advised to quarantine their dogs for 28 days, avoid mixing them with unknown dogs, and keep them on a leash in public at all times.
“Our aim is simple: to keep Kuching South a safe, healthy and rabies-free city. With strong cooperation between the government, community partners, and responsible pet owners, this can be achieved,” MBKS stressed.
The council also expressed appreciation to all agencies, organisations, veterinary officers and volunteers involved for making the programme possible.
