Kelantan Authorities May Cull Dogs Without Vaccination Tags After April

BACHOK, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- 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. 

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 said in a press conference after officiating the Peatland Fire Prevention programme hands-on standard operating procedure (SOP) training at Kampung Kual Besar, Gunong here today. 

Hilmi said Kelantan, which borders Thailand, also faces the risk of rabies transmission due to the possibility of dogs moving across the border between the two countries.

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. 

He said the local councils, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services also 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 another 20 dogs have been taken for rabies testing,” he said. 

As such, 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