Unvaccinated dogs in Kelantan may be culled after April, says exco

Kelantan's executive councillor Hilmi Abdullah has warned that unvaccinated dogs in the state could face culling starting April to prevent the spread of rabies. The state's local government, housing, health and environment committee chairman made the statement, referencing the state's anti-rabies vaccination ordinance that mandates dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated each year, between January and April.

Every vaccinated dog will receive a numbered metal identification tag before being licensed by the local council.

Hilmi noted that Kelantan is at risk of rabies transmission due to the possibility of dogs crossing the border from Thailand. He cited a rabies death in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, last month, and a stray dog attack involving a child in Kelantan earlier this month, as reminders of the dangers of the deadly disease. Local councils work in partnership with the veterinary services department to capture stray dogs, and so far, two of the five dogs identified for culling have been caught and eliminated.

Hilmi added that 21 dogs have been vaccinated in Bachok this year, while samples from another 20 dogs are undergoing rabies testing.