DVSS intensifies animal sterilization campaign: Dr. Adrian
Posted on 20 Sep 2025
Source of News: Utusan Borneo Sarawak
KUCHING: The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) continues to intensify its animal sterilization campaign to prevent the population of rabies-carrying animals, especially stray dogs, from increasing.
Its director, Datu Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud, said this effort is part of a large-scale vaccination drive to curb rabies in the state.
"One of our challenges in Sarawak is the very large area and the many stray or wandering dogs that are very difficult for us to catch and vaccinate," he said.
"This population continues to multiply. We appeal to the public to sterilize their animals to control the population from continuing to breed, especially those that are roaming free.
"The state government, through local authorities, has provided subsidies for this sterilization program, but the response has not been encouraging," he added.
He was speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony of World Rabies Day 2025, which was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian at the MBKS Community Hall here today.
According to Dr. Adrian, sterilization helps reduce the population of stray or roaming animals, thereby curbing the spread of rabies among animals.
"We want animal owners, especially if you love your pets, to first vaccinate your animals, then apply for a license, and sterilize them to protect your animals.
"We will work to intensify this sterilization campaign," he said.
Earlier in his speech, Dr. Adrian said that JPVS is highly committed to implementing various initiatives and strategies, including dog vaccination programs, surveillance, and laboratory sampling.
He also mentioned that the enforcement of licensing for owned dogs and 'targeted removal' will be carried out by local authorities, while awareness campaigns will be conducted continuously by UKAS.
However, he said these efforts will not be successful without cooperation from all levels of society, including animal owners, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies.
Regarding the program, he said its objective is to commemorate World Rabies Day, which is held annually on September 28 worldwide.
"The goal is to increase public awareness about rabies, its prevention, and how we can prevent it from spreading," he said.
The theme for this year's World Rabies Day is 'Act Now, You, Me, Community,' which focuses on the shared responsibility to act against or eradicate rabies.
