As residents were forced to flee, some pets and strays were left behind or became separated from their owners – trapped and frightened amidst the chaos for days. Others perished.
While human rescue took priority, many animals might have been forgotten had it not been for the swift efforts of Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM), in collaboration with SPCA Selangor.
A total of 45 volunteers braved dangerous conditions to rescue 59 cats, eight dogs, and even two pet snakes from the disaster zone.
To recognise these brave individuals and supporting organisations, SAFM hosted an appreciation ceremony on Saturday (April 26) at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Putra Heights.
The temple, which initially served as a temporary base for SAFM and the rescued animals, was a fitting venue for the heartfelt gathering.
Although not all 45 volunteers could attend the ceremony, those who could received certificates of appreciation and medals in recognition of their selfless service.
SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran shared that their emergency relief work began in 2012 during the Taman Sri Muda floods and has since extended to Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and, most recently, Putra Heights.
“This is the first time we’ve held an event to thank our volunteers,” he said.
“All our volunteers are skilled, experienced rescuers. We couldn’t have done it without them. They risked their own lives entering the site – they’re the real unsung heroes.
“No one did this for recognition, but I hope this gives them the motivation to keep going.”
The temple played a crucial role by offering shelter when it was most needed. Temple secretary Murugeswaran Panadian, who received a certificate on behalf of the temple alongside the priest, recalled the moment they chose to act.
“No one formally asked us to be at the shelter,” he said. “But when they brought the animals here, our humanity couldn’t say no. We told them they could use the space for as long as they needed.”
Murugeswaran, a pet lover himself, said it was painful to witness the suffering.
“At one point, we had about 30 to 40 animals here. The last dog to leave was blind – and sadly, it passed away. Our temple gates will always be open to those in need, people or animals.”
Dr Bryan Low, 26, of Subang Vet Animal Clinic SS14, was among those who treated the injured animals.
“It was quite sad,” he said. “Some animals were disfigured or burnt. Many dogs were already dead when found. Although we couldn’t save them all, thankfully some survived after receiving treatment.”
Volunteer Baavniiey Ramachandran, 49, from Bukit Antarabangsa, described her first experience with SAFM as eye-opening.
“I’ve always fed strays, but this was my first time volunteering,” she said. “I saw burnt kittens, and even those that survived went through unbelievable trauma.”
She shared how volunteers took turns entering the site, limited to five at a time owing to police restrictions.
“It was raining heavily too, but the energy and passion of everyone kept us going. All races came together – no one hesitated, even to jump into houses to save the dogs trapped inside.”
In addition to honouring volunteers, SAFM used the event to launch its Animal Food Bank initiative, aimed at supporting pet owners affected by the disaster.
Three food banks have been set up at the following locations:
- Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple, Putra Heights (location)
- Ministre’ Of Pets Veterinary Clinic
- Taipan Veterinary Clinic & Surgery (location)
Kalaivanan also shared promising news: discussions are underway with government agencies to establish Malaysia’s first official animal disaster response unit.
“It will happen soon,” he affirmed.
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