GEORGETOWN: Three dogs involved in an attack on a woman in Medan Terengganu here were captured last Thursday.
The action was taken by the Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) together with the Penang Island City Council in a joint operation.
DVS state director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said the captured dogs are currently quarantined and under observation for 14 days.
She said if the dogs show signs of rabies or die during the quarantine period, brain samples will be taken for rabies testing. Conversely, if they remain healthy, they will be returned to their owner.
"However, in this case, the dogs were surrendered by the owner and will be returned to the local authority (PBT) after the quarantine period ends for further action as the dogs were found to be unlicensed.
"But if the victim has lodged a police report, they will remain detained at the DVS until the case is resolved.
"We have not received any complaints related to dog attacks or individuals being bitten by dogs in that area previously," she said when contacted here today.
On Feb 9, it was reported that a 49-year-old woman suffered multiple bites on various parts of her body in an attack by her neighbour's unleashed dogs, requiring surgery at a private hospital.
The incident occurred around 5pm as Cheah Hean Hoon was walking home, just a few metres from where the attack occurred.
Due to the injuries she sustained, she had to be admitted to the ward for surgery, with her condition being closely monitored.
Meanwhile, Penang SPCA animal shelter administrator Lily Leng said the victim can take the case to court to recover medical costs from the owner.
"The public or neighbours can report such issues to the PBT for immediate action, and if the dogs are found to be unlicensed, the owners can be fined," she said.