However, thanks to the many independent animal rescuers across the country, many of the abandoned, injured and abused animals do get a second chance at life.
Below is a list of animal shelters in need of your help in cash or kind, so that they can continue to provide food, medical attention and shelter to many of the stray cats and dogs in their care.
Every ringgit counts – so please give generously.
1. DSR Sanctuary
DSR Sanctuary is a Johor-based animal rescue organisation. Founded by Darshini Naidu Murugesu, the name stands for Darshini Stray Rescue.
When contacted by FMT, Darshini said the organisation was in constant need of funds to settle rent, workers’ wages, food supplies and other necessities.
As such they actively hold fundraisers every single month. Recently however, they had to dip into its reserve funds after a thunderstorm wreaked significant damage to the sanctuary.
“We have overdue bills to pay, hence our fundraising efforts. Sometimes when we have new rescues, we’ll do separate appeals too to cover their expenses.”
While it may seem like hard work to some, what keeps the founder going is her love for the furkids. “All I want is simply to provide them with a better home and care.”
Head here for more information on DSR Sanctuary or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
2. Homeless & Orphan Pet Exist (HOPE)
The Homeless & Orphan Pet Exist (HOPE) is another Johor-based animal shelter.
As the country’s largest no-kill shelter with over 3,000 furry kids in their care, they are in dire need of funds to cover rent, food, medicine and workers’ wages.
“Some of the rescues are getting old as well, and as a result they need much more medical fees compared to the younger ones,” a representative from HOPE told FMT recently.
Despite this, the shelter continues to rescue seriously injured dogs. “The medical bills and follow-up checks for them can also be quite a burden for us.”
Head here for more information on HOPE or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
3. Bento Animal Rescues
Bento Animal Rescues is a student-run organisation that used to focus mainly on animals in Semenyih. However, they now rescue animals in other regions as well.
“We have been focussing on medical cases recently as there has been an influx of cats with medical needs,” a representative from Bento told FMT.
They are also strong advocates for trap-neuter-release (TNR), focussing mostly on cats. They feed the stray animals on campus as well.
“For now, we need donations to support the recent medical cases as well as food supplies and other necessities (such as deworming tablets, iodine water, and cages),” the representative said.
Head here for more information on Bento or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
4. PAWS Animal Welfare Society
PAWS Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit animal shelter in Petaling Jaya that has been in operation since 1987.
Currently raising funds towards a new building for the shelter, PAWS Public Relations Officer Jonathan Yeoh told FMT that they are in the final stages of the building plan submission and actual groundwork is estimated to begin by the end of the year.
“Currently we have managed to raise about 30% of our target and we are truly grateful for the donations, especially in the economic wake of the global health crisis.”
PAWS hopes the new building will help them accommodate more animals and reduce their carbon footprint as the new shelter is an environmentally-friendly building.
Head here for more information on PAWS or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.