PETALING JAYA: Amid the chaos of the Putra Heights fire last year, a quiet rescue mission unfolded.
Volunteers and animal welfare groups worked tirelessly with the authorities to care for pets abandoned or trapped in the aftermath, showing that compassion extended beyond human lives.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor general manager Kelvin Cheah said about 70 pets comprising cats, dogs and two corn snakes were among those rescued during their operations there. Among the biggest challenges was having access to the affected areas.
“Many animals were trapped or hidden, and information coming in from the public was high-volume but not always verified.”
While the initial emergency phase lasted about two weeks, the overall operation extended close to six months.
Among the common cases faced by animals at the time were burn-related injuries, dehydration and severe stress.
He said SPCA Selangor is now working with Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association and relevant authorities to develop a structured Emergency Animal Response framework.
Animal Kindness Coalition president Asther Lau, who was also part of the rescue mission last year, said among the first things groups did upon entering the site was to provide food and water to affected animals.
Lau expressed gratitude to the volunteers who helped with the animal rescue operations.
“Donations of pet food and water, even for volunteers, came in bulk. Many volunteers also expressed great readiness to help, with some even taking leave from work to do so.
“Others offered donations as they were unable to be there.”
