Ooi estimates that at least RM80,000 is needed to build the shelter at its new location in Balik Pulau.
Penang Stray Rescue Society (PGSR) needs funds to relocate after being asked to vacate its present premises in Teluk Bahang, which houses 170 dogs.
Its founder Ooi Yu Li, 41, said she received a two-month eviction notice last Dec 24 from the landowner as the land had been sold to another company.
“This means the shelter will need to move by the end of February. We asked for an extension of at least two months but the new landowner rejected our request.
“We definitely cannot move out in the short time frame given and I hope that he will give us the extension.
“We have found a 0.6ha plot of land in Balik Pulau and at least RM80,000 is needed.
“We will reuse what we can but new kennels will have to be built.
“When we started the shelter in 2015, the cost was already RM80,000, so we may need more than that amount because of the rising cost of labour and materials,” Ooi said on Monday.
“PGSR, which is a non-profit animal shelter registered with Registrar of Societies, was formed by a few passionate animal rescuers from Penang with the aim to rescue and rehome injured and abandoned dogs and cats.
“I used to rescue the strays caught by Penang Island City Council before it adopted a ‘no kill policy’.
“I am very happy that the city council has adopted a ‘trap, neuter, release or rehome’ (TNR) programme since 2018.
“I am at the shelter every weekend to see my rescues,” she said.
Ooi urged those wanting pets to “adopt and not shop” as there are thousands of dogs and cats housed in the numerous shelters throughout Penang.
“PGSR operates entirely on public donations, and some RM12,000 to RM14,000 is needed to feed our dogs and to pay our three permanent workers monthly.
“For dogs not lucky enough to find a permanent home, PGSR will shelter and feed them. We have numerous old and middle-aged dogs that will live out their lives here.
“As a responsible shelter, we can only accept new dogs if more space is created through adoption.
“To adopt, send us a private message via our social media page or email (pgstrayrescue@gmail.com) to make the necessary arrangements,” she said.
For details, visit www.facebook.com/penangstrayrescue
