SSPCA urged Owners urged to keep dogs within house compound

KUCHING: Responsible dog owners are again asked to keep their pets within the house compound especially during the rabies outbreak. 

Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) chief Datin Dona Drury Wee said this in response to a viralled video of a dog being shot by local authorities. 

The incident is believed to have occurred in Matang residential area, where a man recorded the video and posted it on social media. 

However, the video did not show whether the dog was shot outside or within the house compound.

But the man who recorded the video said, “You can take away the strays, but not the ones that are being taken care of by the owner.” 

Dona said she believed the dog was shot with a tranquiliser gun outside the house compound. 

“It is very difficult to know if a dog is a stray or not if it is outside the house. 

“This is why we have urged all dog owners to please, please keep your pets within your house compound,” she said. 

In fact, she said the law, which does not allow owners to let their dogs roam freely, is an old council by-law, and it was never enforced until the rabies outbreak. 

“But you must make all efforts to keep your pets safe. It is your responsibility as owners to do so. 

“Do not let your pets outside the compound unless your dog is on a leash,” she pointed out. 

She advised owners to put wire mesh at gates, or block the drain as to prevent dogs from escaping. 

“It is sad that we have to be taught this lesson the hard way,” Dona said. 

She also urged all owners to get both dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. 

“This has to be done every year for the rest of your pets’ lives. 

“Rabies will be with us forever if we do not fight it properly,” she said. 

As Sarawak targets to eradicate canine rabies by 2025, and their target for zero human deaths from rabies by 2022, Dona said this could only be achieved if those getting bitten care to seek immediate medical attention, and if all dogs are vaccinated against rabies.