GEORGE TOWN: A days-long attempt to rescue a stray dog stranded on an apartment rooftop ended in tragedy.
Despite rescuers' best efforts, the dog, known as Hero, fell from the 17th floor of the apartment in Relau early Thursday (Aug 28) morning, believed to have been due to the heavy downpour.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (Aug 28), Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS), said last night’s heavy rain carried into the morning, leaving the building walls and roof dangerously slippery.
"The stray dog that had been stuck on the 17th floor for days has now fallen.
"We had all been praying for a miracle, hoping that rescue teams and volunteers could bring him down to safety, but today, our hearts are broken.
"Perhaps the rain made the floor too slick and in his confusion and fear, he slipped and fell to his death," the post said.
4PAWS said that Hero's rescue attempt story had touched countless hearts.
"We would like to sincerely thank all the rescuers who came and stood side by side with us since last Saturday (Aug 23) braving the rain, climbing, waiting and never giving up until the end," it said.
The rescue operation involved the Fire and Rescue Department, 4PAWS, International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA), Penang Island City Council officers, the Civil Defence Force and volunteers from all over.
Rescuers worked around the clock, adjusting their strategies, securing paths and providing food and water in attempts to gain Hero's trust.
It is believed Hero had likely wandered into the apartment complex, possibly following a resident's dog or seeking refuge, before being chased to the rooftop.
Though terrified, the dog occasionally showed trust toward the humans trying to save him.
A local resident first alerted rescuers after spotting the dog on the rooftop, which then began a rescue operation to bring Hero down to safety.
