GEORGE TOWN: Penang is looking into concerns raised by the Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) over land issues that threaten the future of the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) shelter in Teluk Bahang.
State local government and town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said that while no decision has been made yet, the land currently occupied by 4PAWS is under lease until 2030. The organisation is currently working to raise funds to purchase the site.
"In February and March, 4PAWS, through its manager Yan Naung Thet, also known as Murugan, approached the state government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to seek assistance in extending his stay in Malaysia, allowing him to continue volunteering at the shelter.
"At that time, the founder of 4PAWS, Barbara Janssen, was unwell, and discussions centred solely on ensuring continuity of shelter operations, not on the lease issue," he said.
H'ng was responding to SAFM's call for the state government to intervene and help resolve the land dispute affecting the shelter, which houses around 700 dogs.
Earlier, SAFM president R. Kalaivanan said that over 700 dogs at the 4PAWS shelter are at risk of losing their home as the landowner intends to sell the property. The organisation has been given until the end of this month to decide whether it can purchase the land at the price of RM2.2mil.
SAFM has appealed to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to allocate permanent land to ensure the shelter's continued operation.
H'ng added that 4PAWS is a non-governmental organisation providing sanctuary to stray dogs in Teluk Bahang.
The shelter has also contributed to MBPP's efforts to manage the stray dog population by caring for animals that have been vaccinated, neutered, and made available for adoption.
"4PAWS is not registered with the local authorities, as the registration of animal shelters falls under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Services Department and the Animal Welfare Board," he said. - Bernama
