Finally, pet owners can have peace of mind leaving their pets within their house compound.
Just recently (April 2019), Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye has reminded dog-catching teams that they are not allowed to enter private premises especially when carrying out their duty at residential areas. He also urged them to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP) and said the ministry will take action if they receive any complaint from members of the public.
This reminder came to light after many reports have been lodged against local authorities for catching dogs that were within private premises. Dr Lee assured the people that the ministry will launch investigations into such allegations and once these accusations are proven to be true, the dog-catching team must take action not to repeat the same mistake again.
Commenting on the rabies outbreak in Sarawak, the minister said roughly 30% of the dogs are infected with the virus and up to 1,000 people were bitten by dogs on a monthly basis. As such, he urged pet owners and animal lovers to vaccinate their pets if they truly care about the animals in order to curb rabies infection.
So guys, if you see any dog being caught within private residences, remember to report it to the authorities. Remember to vaccinate and license your furry friends as well!
Also read: Photo Shows 1.3kg Undigested Bones From Dog’s Stomach, Public Urged Not to Feed Bones