WITH more than 200 mouths to feed, an animal home is racing against time to secure more funds as the food it has could only last for another week.
Penang Animal Sanctuary Society (PASS) co-founder Nornee Lim said there were about 100 dogs, 100 cats and 30 tortoises seeking relief at the shelter.
She said the shelter in Relau was struggling to stay afloat as the committee members could not hold fundraising events amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) handed us the animals after they were spayed or neutered, and deemed unsuitable to be released to the society.
“We rehabilitate and raise the animals here, including tortoises which owners sent here instead of releasing them into the wild.
“We ensure the animals receive a balanced diet of rice, kibbles and fresh produce to keep them healthy.
“With four staff members to look after the animals, our costs can come up to between RM12,000 to RM15,000 monthly.
“We have 12 committee members who have been contributing from our own pockets to keep the shelter in operation. It’s a hefty burden for us.
“The pandemic also sees fewer donors as they too, are facing financial difficulties.
“The movement restrictions have also further reduced our donation collection,” she said on Monday.
Lim said they could collect about RM2,000 in donations monthly, “but often we get far less.
“Our collections have reduced by more than half since the first movement control order in March last year,” she said.
Lim said the group was also looking for donors to help expand their operations to shelter more animals.
“We are currently operating at 80% capacity on a 0.24ha plot of land here.
“There is still about 0.8ha of underutilised space remaining.
“The next phase to expand is expected to cost RM500,000 but we are open to all plans and suggestions if there are donors for it,” she said.
Those who wish to donate can contact Lim at 013-416 8324.
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