Kuala Lampur:Dogs in Kelantan without vaccination tags or that have not received anti-rabies vaccinations by the end of April each year may be culled by local authorities to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hilmi Abdullah, the chairman of the State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee, stated that this measure aligns with the Kelantan Anti-rabies Vaccination Order. This order mandates that dog owners ensure their pets are vaccinated between January and April annually.

Each vaccinated dog will receive a numbered metal identification tag before being licensed by the local council. Dogs lacking this tag or not vaccinated by the deadline may face action. Hilmi Abdullah emphasized this requirement at a press conference following the Peatland Fire Prevention program's hands-on standard operating procedure training at Kampung Kual Besar, Gunong.

Kelantan, which shares a border with Thailand, is at risk of rabies transmission due to the potential movement of dogs across the border. A recent rabies-related death in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, and a stray dog attack involving a child in Kelantan underscore the disease's dangers.

Local councils, working with the Department of Veterinary Services, conduct periodic operations to catch stray dogs. Of the five dogs identified so far, two have been caught and culled. This year, 21 dogs in Bachok have been vaccinated, and samples from another 20 dogs have been collected for rabies testing.

Hilmi Abdullah urged all dog owners to vaccinate their pets, license them with the local council, and prevent them from roaming freely to ensure public safety.