MIRI (Aug 10): A total of 1,182 dogs here have been vaccinated against rabies in the first seven months of this year, said Transport minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said that of this figure, only 93 dogs were licensed by the Miri City Council (MCC).

“This figure does not include dogs vaccinated or licensed during yesterday’s (Aug 9) vaccination and licensing programme held here,” he said when visiting the vaccination site at Taman Tunku here on Sunday.

During the programme yesterday, 193 dogs were vaccinated against rabies while 44 had their MCC licences renewed or newly issued.

Lee said that while Miri has been rabies-free for the past several years, the public must not be complacent and continue to fulfil their responsibility by ensuring their dogs, and even cats, receive annual rabies vaccinations.

He stressed the rabies vaccination must be renewed every year, and that it is free-of-charge for dogs at the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Miri.

“I urge Mirians to bring their dogs for vaccination. The protection lasts for one year.

“We want everyone’s cooperation to keep Miri rabies-free. Indeed, Miri has been one of the rabies-free divisions for the past several years and we want to maintain that status,” he said.

Lee said he was informed that since Jan this year, there have been 800 cases of dog bites reported in Miri.

He said thus, Mirians must remain vigilant, and those bitten by dogs must immediately seek treatment at a clinic or hospital.

On the programme, Lee commended the mobile vaccination team, which makes it easier for dog owners to bring their pets for the vaccination.

“This has been an ongoing effort by the DVS Miri for several years and I thank them for their dedication. I hope that with the mobile team in place, more dog owners will be encouraged to come forward and get their pets vaccinated,” he added.