When a few dog lovers started a canine welfare group Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) 18 years ago, little did they know that it would become one of their most difficult challenges in the future.
Although they had had a very successful start, today almost two decades later, the group, which is one of the pioneers of registered and organised animal rescue, is struggling to survive.
“The facet of animal rescue has changed tremendously and all those who supported us in the past are no longer around or retired without disposable incomes anymore,’’ said MDDB co-founder Irene Low.
As a result, Low said MDDB is now with about 400 dogs, almost 100 of which are disabled, and with little or no funds to keep going.
Besides having a shelter full of young rambunctious dogs, MDDB also has a halfway home for disabled, old and sick canines.
She said financial support from the public has been trickling in very slowly and it has become very hard to make ends meet.
“We have to pay the huge veterinary bill accumulated at a veterinary hospital, rental for the halfway home, allowances for the people who cook, clean and care for the dogs as well as for the food we need to feed our canines,’’ said Low.
Low says the main crux behind MDDB’s difficulties was also the emergence of many other animal shelters as well as independent rescuers over the years.
To make matters worse, the current generation of animal welfare enthusiasts favoured action-packed rescue and animal advocacy work which also included demonstrations and protests.
“Eighteen years ago, we were action-packed and loud, but we are senior citizens now and besides having to worry about our dogs’ future, we are also burdened with our personal health and mobility challenges,’’ said Low.
In addition to that, added Low, key members of MDDB have also retired and have no disposable income to pump into the organisation like they used to in the past.
Low said she hoped corporate organisations and companies could step in and help MDDB out of its darkest hour.
“If only we can get a fixed monthly stipend for about a year, we can plan our future strategy for that year without having to worry about raising funds.
“We also hope members of the public will take heed of our plight and that of our 400 dogs, and help us out as well,’’ said Low.
She said the future plan MDDB hopes to implement in 2028 would be handing over the organisation to younger people who are ready for the challenge of managing the two- decade old rescue group.
Low added the founding members were also worried about dying, leaving the dogs under their care alone and destitute.
“We are becoming old ourselves and we cannot go on doing this, so we will put in a practical succession plan and hope young people with kind hearts and strong determination will come forward to take over our mission of helping the voiceless,’’ she added.
Till then, said Low, she hopes MDDB will get the necessary help it once received to ensure the dogs under its care can continue to survive.
Those who wish to give MDDB a helping hand can write to mddbcanines@gmail.com or WhatsApp 012-284-6039. Visit www.facebook.com/MalaysianDogsDeserveBetter for more information.
