KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) together with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), Ministry for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) are organising a Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Licensing, Microchipping and Subsidised Neutering Programme for Dogs.

The programme will be held Saturday, 4 October from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Dewan Persatuan Bola Keranjang Sarawak, Lorong 3, Taman Seng Goon, Kuching.

The programme is also organised together with the Sarawak Veterinary Association, Divisional Health Office, Sarawak Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (SSPCA) and UKAS.

According to MBKS Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng, this programme provides free anti-rabies vaccination, dog licensing, and microchipping, along with a subsidised neutering scheme for female dogs.

“The fight against rabies is not just a government responsibility, it is a shared duty between the authorities and the community. Since Sarawak was declared a rabies-infected area in 2017, much has been done to protect both our residents and their pets.

“However, rabies remains a serious threat, and we must continue to strengthen our preventive measures.

“Through this campaign, we want to make it easier for pet owners to do the right thing, namely to get their dogs vaccinated against rabies every year, ensure their pets are licensed and microchipped for proper identification, and help control the stray population by supporting neutering,” he said.

He also highlighted the special subsidised neutering programme under this campaign, wherein for the first 100 MBKS licensed and vaccinated female dogs, owners will receive a subsidy of RM150 to help reduce the cost of neutering.

Dato Wee stressed this effort as crucial in preventing uncontrolled breeding, reducing stray dog issues, and protecting public safety.

“To all dog owners, I urge you to take part. Please bring along your IC (identification card) and vaccination card (if any), and ensure that your dog is healthy, above 3 months old, and not pregnant.

“After vaccination, remember to quarantine your pet for 28 days, do not mix them with unknown dogs, and always keep them on a leash in public,” he emphasised. -UKASnews