City Bureau Prevents Rabies Incident - Adam Yii: Has the Right to Remove Unleashed Dogs

(Miri, 25th) All dogs wandering outside are considered "stray dogs", regardless of whether they wear a dog tag. Miri City Council will remove unleashed dogs straying in urban areas, especially in residential areas, to prevent these unattended dogs from posing potential harm to the public.

Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang stated in an interview with the media after the city's regular monthly council meeting that this move is in response to public complaints about some irresponsible pet owners letting their dogs roam freely outside their residences without taking any restraining measures.

"Although there are currently no confirmed rabies cases in Miri, we cannot relax our vigilance. In fact, the city council's efforts to clear stray dogs are ongoing. Therefore, any dogs wandering outside a residence will be considered stray dogs. Regardless of whether they are wearing a dog tag, our enforcement team will remove them."

According to Article 37(3) of the 1999 Public Veterinary Health Regulations, dog owners who allow their dogs to roam freely on the streets may be fined up to 5,000 Ringgit; according to Article 37(4) of the same regulations, they may also be fined up to 2,500 Ringgit.

The regulations require dog owners to effectively control their dogs and keep them within a confined area, ensuring they cannot escape. Local governments have the authority to seize and detain any dogs not using a leash under relevant regulations.

Regarding irresponsible pet owners who allow their dogs to roam without a leash and possibly harm the public, Adam Yii Siew Sang suggests that victims take legal action to hold the pet owners accountable and ensure they are responsible for their dogs' behavior.