The Veterinary Services Department (DVS) in Sabah is looking to strengthen its partnership with animal welfare groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in order to improve animal welfare in the state. DVS Sabah Chief Senior Assistant Director Dr Zul Bahar Abdul Rashid expressed that there is a need for greater awareness and collaboration between the public and private sectors to protect animal welfare.
Following a town hall session with over 60 participants from various local government agencies, private veterinary clinics, animal welfare NGOs, and pet shops in Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Penampang, and Putatan on Friday (March 8), Dr Zul made this statement.
The session, which took place at the DVS Kota Kinabalu regional office in Kepayan, aimed to gather feedback and provide information on the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 and related subjects. Dr Zul also introduced attendees to the DVS’ online animal welfare portal, where the public can report cases of animal cruelty in Sabah.
“Today’s program also facilitated the participation of local authorities from Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, and Tuaran to exchange knowledge with other stakeholders on managing stray animals, particularly in connection with the Dog Ordinance 1960,” he explained.
He also noted that this was the first such program to be launched in the west coast region and the third in Sabah, with similar programs previously taking place in Kudat and Tawau in 2023.
