Abang Abdul Wahap speaking to reporters after chairing DBKU monthly meeting at DBKU Auditorium, Petra Jaya in Kuching today.

KUCHING: Members of the public have been urged not to disturb the dog traps laid at Reservoir Park, said Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.

“As the council is unable to monitor the area around the clock, we have decided to lay traps in certain places (at the park) since last Saturday to capture any stray dogs that might wander into the area,” said Abang Abdul Wahap after chairing DBKU’s monthly meeting at DBKU Auditorium, Petra Jaya here today.

The park was ordered to be closed to the public before opening last Saturday after seven people, including a five-year-old boy, were bitten by strays at the popular recreation ground two weeks ago.

Abang Abdul Wahap lamented that there had been a case where a stray dog was captured in the park but it was released from the trap with the help of unidentified individuals.

“I understand that we might sympathise with the fate of the dogs but human life is more precious. We have to ensure all the stray dogs are taken in to stop the spread of the rabies outbreak.”

Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Environment Section spokesperson Khairulnizam Abdul Rani said that one of the nine dogs caught at the park last month was tested positive for the rabies.