This is the plight faced by many stray animals in Malaysia – which is why one NGO is on a mission to help them and become a voice for defenceless animals.
Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) focuses on animal advocacy by harnessing the power of social media: it has over 27,000 followers on its Facebook and Instagram profiles, which highlight cases of animal cruelty.
Its objective is to bring to light these heartless acts that may otherwise go unnoticed, spread the word, and hopefully spur action from the relevant authorities.
SAFM also aims to make lives better for animals on the street: it has over 70 volunteers who run feeding and trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes throughout the Klang Valley, Penang, Perak and Johor Bahru.
According to founder and president Kalaivanan Ravichandran, funds for these activities come solely from public donations.
Another initiative is the “SAFM Hotline”, a WhatsApp channel that manages cruelty complaints and TNR inquiries, as well as facilitates adoption processes. SAFM features animals looking for forever homes on its social media platforms and aims to match them with suitable adopters.
Kalaivanan explained that, upon receiving an animal cruelty complaint, the team gathers sufficient information from the complainant and available witnesses. They also collect relevant photographs and videos before working with local authorities and veterinary services.
If the animal is in danger, volunteers are sent to help and remove the animal if necessary.
Through the hotline, the team also shares information about ways to safely trap animals, and loan out humane traps if needed.
Explaining the acronym SAFM, Kalaivanan said they originally started out in 2016 as a group called “Stray Animals Feeders Malaysia”, which fed strays and ran TNR programmes throughout the Klang Valley.
However, upon seeing increasing cases of cruelty, neglect and abandonment, they decided to form an organisation proper in 2019. This was because “when we spoke out, we discovered our voices did not have as much impact, as we were just animal feeders”.
A collective responsibility
Over the years, Kalaivanan, 34, has witnessed many heartbreaking situations, but there are also moments that remind him how pure-hearted animals are.
“One day, I was having lunch and saw a dog approaching humans for food. I bought some chicken and left it for the dog,” he recalled.
To his surprise, the dog followed him to his car and started jumping and holding on to his leg happily, making him see how a simple act of kindness meant to the canine.
Sadly, he has also seen dogs shying away from humans. “I’ve personally encountered strays who ran away when I wanted to feed them. What would cause them to run when they’re hungry? They thought I wanted to hurt them because someone has done that before.
“It’s very sad to see how these animals have lost their trust in humans.”
Ultimately, Kalaivanan believes fighting animal cruelty is a collective responsibility – “not just the government’s but everyone’s; it starts with the public”, he stressed.
“Don’t abuse animals. If they’re disturbing you, contact the relevant NGOs, shelters, or your local council.
“To the local council: follow proper SOPs when handling an animal. And to the government: work closely with NGOs,” he concluded.
Learn more about Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) here. Contact the SAFM Hotline via WhatsApp at 013-706 6770.