THE Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) is a few steps closer to securing a new permanent home.
Its 15th anniversary fundraising dinner raised RM115,000, which will go towards acquiring land and building essential facilities.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) was forced to relocate from Teluk Bahang after the landowner decided to sell the property in April last year.
While land big enough to house the roughly 700 dogs was quickly identified, the NGO needed RM1.2mil to buy it.
4PAWS vice-chairman Murugan Janssen said subsequent fundraising efforts from May 2025 to May 2026 netted about RM630,000.
Combined with the sum raised from a dinner – which included a RM50,000 contribution from the Penang state government – it is over halfway towards its target.
Murugan estimated that an additional RM500,000 would be needed for construction and upgrading works.
“These figures represent hope, safety, medical care and a brighter future for thousands of abandoned, abused, injured or neglected animals that have nowhere else to turn.
“While 4PAWS is committed to caring for these creatures, we cannot do it alone.
“Running a shelter requires continuous funding for food, medical treatment, shelter maintenance, manpower and daily operations,” he told the crowd of several hundred at the fundraising dinner in Penang.
Attendees included government leaders, corporate partners, donors, volunteers and animal lovers.
Many chipped in with generous contributions while others bid on items such as artworks and hotel vouchers in an auction.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow drew loud cheers when he announced the state’s contribution.
“4PAWS has played a role in rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for abandoned animals. And in doing so, it has supported broader efforts to promote responsible pet ownership in the state.
“Animal welfare is not a standalone issue. It’s linked to public health, urban management and the values we uphold as a society.
“A progressive society is reflected in how it treats the most vulnerable and that includes animals,” Chow said in his speech.
4PAWS was founded by German expatriate Barbara Janssen, a Hamburg native who moved to Penang in 2005 to have a quiet life after retirement.
A chance encounter with two abandoned puppies kick-started animal rescue efforts that led to the establishment of the no-kill shelter, which was officially recognised as a charity in 2011.
Now aged 81, Barbara said she never expected her life to take such a turn when she first came here.
“I came here alone and have since made more friends than I’d ever had back home.
“On top of that, I have all my sweet doggies. When they come and lay their heads next to you, you feel safe and loved.
“But I’m getting on in years and all I want is to know that the dogs will continue to be safe, fed, happy and healthy.”
Barbara, who adopted Murugan as her grandson, said she was touched and thanked all who had supported the shelter over the past 15 years, especially the volunteers who dedicated their time to save animals, including cats and reptiles.
Murugan, who has been involved with the shelter for over 10 years, said animal rescue was a journey filled with challenges, sacrifices, heartbreak and determination.
“There have been nights when emergency calls came at 3am and we had to rush out to rescue an injured or abandoned dog,” he said, adding there were times when they were hampered by limited manpower or resources and the pain of losing animals could be emotionally overwhelming.
“But we’ve also had many success stories – dogs that recovered from severe injuries, found loving homes and were given a second chance at life. They remind us why we continue doing this work.
“Many people believe that only millionaires can make a difference. But at 4PAWS, we’ve discovered that true change comes from ordinary people with extraordinary compassion.”
Attendees of the event were treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner and a variety of stage performances such as ballet, magic shows and a diabolo act.
Also present were Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, as well as Penang Port Commission chairman and Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin.
