Pet respect: Dog owners are reminded to get their pets vaccinated against rabies.

Dog owners should have their pets vaccinated against rabies, and licensed and microchipped to strengthen preventive measures against the disease.

Dogs must be re-vaccinated every three years, at which time the dog licence will be renewed.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department said some 98,000 dogs are vaccinated and licensed.

Rabies is a fatal disease and can be transmitted from infected dogs to humans through bites. Although Hong Kong has not found any local case of rabies in animals since 1987, precautions should continue.

Vaccination is available from private veterinary surgeons, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals clinics, or the department's animal management centres.

As part of the anti-rabies programme, the department takes action to eliminate stray dogs. More than 8,000 strays were caught between January and July.

The department also reminded people who are bitten by dogs that they should immediately seek medical attention and report the case to the Police for follow-up action.

For enquiries, please call the department's hotline 2362 3257.