PRIVATE-CLINIC veterinarians have been operating during the movement-control order (MCO) on appointment basis and are puzzled with Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement two days ago that they can now operate.

Vets said animal care services were listed as essential in an earlier set of rules when the first phase of the MCO began on March 18.

Dr Clement Anthony, who runs a veterinary clinic in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, said he has been operating by appointment only since the start of the MCO.

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) also sent out flyers stating permission to operate and guidelines.

“The announcement by the senior minister is very redundant because we have been practising appointment-based services since the start of the MCO. 

“The DVS circulars stated very clearly that veterinary clinics are allowed to practice from day one within selected hours,” Clement told The Malaysian Insight. 

On Sunday, Ismail Sabri, who is also the defence minister and National Security Council spokesman, said veterinary clinics are allowed to be open under the MCO but those seeking consultation must have an appointment. 

The MCO, in its 42nd day today, has been extended until May 12.

A veterinarian with a clinic in Hartamas said she did not see any difference in Ismail Sabri’s latest announcement and the directives from DVS at the start of MCO. 

Most veterinary clinics she knew of were complying with the DVS circular, she said.

“The DVS said we can operate if we complied with certain rules and regulations, like shortening our working hours and to do on appointment basis.”

Another veterinarian operating at Jalan Klang Lama, said his clinic has been open since the day one of the MCO. 

Only wanting to be identified as Dr Lim, he is offering appointment-based services but would not turn away clients who come with their pets at the clinic. 

“If there is an emergency case, we can’t ask them to get an appointment or tell them to come back later. We still need to attend to them,” he said, adding that he is seeing fewer cases since the MCO started.

Dr Gopinathan Gangadharan, president of Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA), said Ismail Sabri’s recent statement could have been to create public awareness.

“What the defence minister said is correct and we are also insisting the clients should make appointments because we don’t want the customers to crowd the clinic. 

“If clients bring their pets and crowd the clinic, then it defeats the purpose of social distancing. 

“With appointments, it will be easier to manage the situation,” Gopinathan said, adding that most of the MSAVA members have adapted to appointment-based services when the MCO began and some even before that. 

He also advised clients not to bring their pets for elective treatments during this period and wait for the MCO to end. 

Gopinathan also advised pet owners to browse the msava.org website, which has a list of veterinary clinics nationwide with relevant information. – April 28, 2020.