Over 50 dogs drown after floods hit animal shelter in Negri

PETALING JAYA: An animal shelter in Mambau, Negri Sembilan is in urgent need of help to repair the damage to its premises caused by flash floods early Wednesday (Nov 4) morning.

Furrykids Safehaven manager Liza Sharif said much damage was done to the fencing as well as other parts of the shelter's structures.

According to Liza, the flooding had also destroyed the shelter’s electrical appliances.

Even the dogs' kibbles that were stored at the shelter were not spared.

"The perimeter fencing has been damaged by the floodwaters and all our electrical appliances such as fridge, freezer, washing machine, fans, and rice cookers have also been completely destroyed," she said.

The workers’ quarters were also not spared and all the mattresses and even their clothing were all destroyed, she added.

However, the biggest loss, said Liza was the death of some of the shelter's dogs.

The carcasses of some 54 dogs and puppies were found drowned in the shelter compound.

Liza Sharif said she was greeted by a heart wrenching scene when she rushed to the shelter when informed of the flooding.

Among the dead canines were four mother dogs and their puppies.

"The 22 puppies belonging to the four mothers were only three weeks old.

"We are heart broken," said Liza, adding that they were still headcounting to determine the actual number of fatalities.

More dogs were believed to have been washed away in the flooding which occured when the banks of a nearby river gave way due to heavy rains.

The organisation, which has an estimated 1,900 rescued dogs, was in the midst of raising funds to build a proper shelter at another location but was short of funds to begin construction.

Currently, Liza is seeking public help to raise funds to repair the damage as well as buy food for the surviving dogs.

"We also need to replace the damaged appliances as well as the necessities that were washed away," she added.

Liza said the workers also needed clothes which were all washed away.

Meanwhile, canine welfare project Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) director Irene Low is appealing the public to help Furryfriends Safehaven.

"As rescuers, we understand the gravity of the situation.

"There is a lot of work that needs to be done and they need help to get it done," said Low.

Another animal rescuer Joanne Low said Furrykids Safehaven needed a lot of support and help at the moment.

"They have suffered great tragedy and need support and understanding," said Low.

Low added that she was selling face masks to raise funds for the shelter.

For details please call 0126012030 or write to [e-mail].