BACHOK: Dogs without vaccination tags or that have not received anti-rabies vaccinations after April each year may be culled by local authorities in Kelantan to curb the risk of rabies transmission.
State local government, housing, health and environment committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the provision is in line with the Kelantan Anti-rabies Vaccination Order, which requires owners to ensure their pet dogs are vaccinated between January and April every year.
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He said every vaccinated dog would be issued a numbered metal identification tag before being licensed by the local council, and animals without the tag or that have not been vaccinated after April could face action.
"Under the order, all dog owners are required to ensure their pets receive vaccinations between January and April every year to prevent the spread of rabies," he told a press conference after the Peatland Fire Prevention programme hands-on SOP training at Kampung Kual Besar in Gunong here on Thursday (Oct 8).
Hilmi said Kelantan, which borders Thailand, also faces the risk of rabies transmission due to the possibility of dogs moving across the border.
He said a rabies-related death reported in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, last month, as well as the stray dog attack involving a child in Kelantan early this month, served as a reminder of the dangers of the disease, which can be fatal.
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He said the local councils, in collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department, conducted periodic operations to catch stray dogs, with two of the five dogs identified so far having been caught and culled.
"This year, 21 dogs in Bachok have been vaccinated, while samples from 20 more dogs have been taken for rabies testing," he said.
Hilmi urged all dog owners to ensure that their pets are vaccinated, licensed with the local council and not allowed to roam freely to ensure public safety. – Bernama
