Rabies threat: Plantation owners must report total number of dogs on their premises

KUCHING: Plantation owners in Sarawak are now required to report the total number of dogs on their premises, including those belonging to their workers and strays.

Announcing this new strategy in the fight against rabies, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the owners were given a month's notice from Monday (Aug 5) to submit the reports to their respective state Veterinary Services Department divisional offices.

He said the plantations near the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, in particular, must comply with the directive.

"At the same time, immigration and customs officers manning state exit and entry points must ensure no dogs are brought in from Kalimantan by owners or workers.

"The same directive goes to the marine police and other enforcement agencies providing security along the coastline, " he said after chairing a post-mortem on the fifth phase of an anti-rabies operation in the Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong districts.

Uggah, who chairs the state disaster management committee, said 832 stray dogs and 13 cats were removed in the operation from July 31 to Aug 4.

He also said the rural folk and longhouse residents had given their cooperation in getting their dogs vaccinated.

"There were no issues raised or obstructions from dog owners, individuals or NGOs during the operation, " he said.

Uggah added that Kuching continued to be a main battleground in the fight against rabies, as there were still stray dogs roaming in public places like Reservoir Park, although mopping operations had been carried out.

However, he noted that the public now had a better understanding of the seriousness of the rabies threat.

"Many have expressed their support for the suggestion that people should stop feeding stray dogs in public places, " he said.

On the anti-rabies operation, Uggah said the next phase would be conducted in Sibu, Kanowit and Kapit from Aug 28 to Sept 4.

This will be followed by an operation in Saratok, Sarikei, Meradong and Julau on Sept 5-12.