SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is facing a growing stray dog problem and is planning to outsource the task of catching these animals. SMC chairman Clarence Ting raised concerns about the issue during the council’s full board meeting on Wednesday (July 26), stating that it is a significant problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Ting mentioned that the council will require two contractors to assist its existing dog-catching team. The urgency of the situation is also driven by the threat of rabies, which has prompted the council to take swift action in resolving the issue.
Considering the lengthy process involved in forming another team through application to the Public Service Department, Ting suggested outsourcing as a more efficient solution. Currently, the council’s dog-catching team manages to capture around 90 to 200 dogs per month. However, Ting highlighted the need for immediate action due to the frequent dog bites in the city, which although have not resulted in rabies cases, pose an ongoing danger.
Ting also urged the public to be more attentive as many of the dogs found roaming the streets of Sibu actually have owners. As a precautionary measure, any captured dog will not be released, and owners are unable to claim them. This serves as a reminder for owners to take responsibility for their pets and prevents the continual multiplication of strays.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
