KUANTAN: More than 40 cats were rescued by animal lovers when floods hit the district over the past few days.
Jurina Abdul Rani, who is also chairman of the Pahang Stray Cats Friends Club (SKJP), along with three members, went to the rescue on humanitarian grounds.
Despite the torrential rain and having to rent a four-wheel drive as well as borrowing boats from the public, the rescue mission was carried out for the safe relocation of the felines left behind in a hurry by evacuees.
"I was heartbroken when I received a phone call from a cat owner at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) telling me that their pets were not being rescued.
"So, other club members and I took the initiative to go to their houses by borrowing a boat or a four-wheel drive to collect the cats," she told Bernama.
The 53-year-old trader said the rescue was carried out over two days from Wednesday, with rescue efforts focused on Inderapura and Jalan Teluk Mahang here.
"I regret some cats could not be reached due to logistical problems, and I hope the pets were rescued by others," said Jurina.
According to her, the cats are now housed at a rented 'PPS' in Batu 5 here, while floodwaters recede.
"Some members were assigned to feed the cats at the shelter so pet owners can retrieve them at any time," said Jurina, who also carried out the same rescue mission in 2021.
Meanwhile, she said the costs of rescuing, feeding and sheltering the cats were borne by her, along with donations from the public.
"No fees are charged to the cat owners. This is simply a service out of charity to voluntarily help the community because usually, during floods, aid is only focused on people," she said.- Bernama
