Latest news with #4PAWS
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang reviewing land issue threatening future of 4PAWS shelter, says exco
The Penang Animal Welfare Society is home to over 700 stray and abandoned dogs from the island and mainland. (4PAWS Penang @ Facebook pic) GEORGE TOWN : The Penang government is reviewing concerns raised by Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) over land issues that threaten the future of the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) shelter in Teluk Bahang. State local government, town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said while no decision has been made yet, the land currently occupied by 4PAWS is under lease until 2030. The organisation is currently working to raise funds to purchase the site. 'In February and March, 4PAWS, through its manager Yan Naung Thet, also known as Murugan, approached the state government and the Penang Island City Council to seek aid to extend his stay in Malaysia, allowing him to continue volunteering at the shelter. 'At that time, 4PAWS founder Barbara Janssen was unwell, and discussions centred solely on ensuring continuity of shelter operations, not on the lease issue,' Bernama quoted him as saying. H'ng was responding to SAFM's call for the state government to intervene and help resolve the land dispute affecting the shelter Earlier, Murugan told FMT that the shelter houses more than 700 dogs from all over Penang island as well as from the mainland. Many are sick or hurt from accidents, or were abandoned or dumped by their owners. The organisation has been given until the end of this month to decide whether it can purchase the land at the price of RM2.2 million. SAFM has appealed to chief minister Chow Kon Yeow to urgently allocate permanent land to ensure the shelter's continued operations. H'ng said 4PAWS is a non-governmental organisation providing sanctuary to stray dogs in Teluk Bahang. The shelter has also contributed to MBPP's efforts to manage the stray dog population by caring for animals that have been vaccinated, neutered and made available for adoption. '4PAWS is not registered with the local authorities as the registration of animal shelters falls under the jurisdiction of the veterinary services department and animal welfare board,' he said.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
Penang Reviewing Land Issue Threatening Future Of 4PAWS Shelter
GENERAL GEORGE TOWN, May 23 (Bernama) -- The Penang government is reviewing concerns raised by the Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) over land issues that threaten the future of the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) shelter in Teluk Bahang. State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said that while no decision has been made yet, the land currently occupied by 4PAWS is under lease until 2030. The organisation is currently working to raise funds to purchase the site. 'In February and March, 4PAWS, through its manager Yan Naung Thet, also known as Murugan, approached the state government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to seek assistance in extending his stay in Malaysia, allowing him to continue volunteering at the shelter. 'At that time, the founder of 4PAWS, Barbara Janssen, was unwell, and discussions centred solely on ensuring continuity of shelter operations, not on the lease issue,' he told Bernama. H'ng was responding to SAFM's call for the state government to intervene and help resolve the land dispute affecting the shelter, which houses around 700 dogs. Earlier, SAFM president R. Kalaivanan said that over 700 dogs at the 4PAWS shelter are at risk of losing their home as the landowner intends to sell the property. The organisation has been given until the end of this month to decide whether it can purchase the land at the price of RM2.2 million. SAFM has appealed to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to urgently allocate permanent land to ensure the shelter's continued operation. H'ng added that 4PAWS is a non-governmental organisation providing sanctuary to stray dogs in Teluk Bahang. The shelter has also contributed to MBPP's efforts to manage the stray dog population by caring for animals that have been vaccinated, neutered, and made available for adoption.
The Star
23-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Penang reviewing land issue threatening animal shelter with over 700 dogs
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is looking into concerns raised by the Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) over land issues that threaten the future of the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) shelter in Teluk Bahang. State local government and town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said that while no decision has been made yet, the land currently occupied by 4PAWS is under lease until 2030. The organisation is currently working to raise funds to purchase the site. "In February and March, 4PAWS, through its manager Yan Naung Thet, also known as Murugan, approached the state government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to seek assistance in extending his stay in Malaysia, allowing him to continue volunteering at the shelter. "At that time, the founder of 4PAWS, Barbara Janssen, was unwell, and discussions centred solely on ensuring continuity of shelter operations, not on the lease issue," he said. H'ng was responding to SAFM's call for the state government to intervene and help resolve the land dispute affecting the shelter, which houses around 700 dogs. Earlier, SAFM president R. Kalaivanan said that over 700 dogs at the 4PAWS shelter are at risk of losing their home as the landowner intends to sell the property. The organisation has been given until the end of this month to decide whether it can purchase the land at the price of RM2.2mil. SAFM has appealed to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to allocate permanent land to ensure the shelter's continued operation. H'ng added that 4PAWS is a non-governmental organisation providing sanctuary to stray dogs in Teluk Bahang. The shelter has also contributed to MBPP's efforts to manage the stray dog population by caring for animals that have been vaccinated, neutered, and made available for adoption. "4PAWS is not registered with the local authorities, as the registration of animal shelters falls under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Services Department and the Animal Welfare Board," he said. - Bernama
The Sun
22-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Penang govt urged to resolve land crisis of animal shelter
PETALING JAYA: The Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) has urged the state government to step in and resolve the land crisis threatening the future of the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS) shelter in Teluk Bahang. The non-profit shelter recently revealed via Facebook that the landowner intends to sell the property and has given the organisation until the end of next month to decide whether it can buy the land for RM2.2 million. SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran warned that with over 700 dogs in 4PAWS's care, the looming eviction poses a critical risk, potentially forcing the animals back onto the streets. It has issued an urgent appeal, calling on Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to immediately allocate permanent land to secure the shelter's future. 'Without government intervention, the fate of the rescued animals remains uncertain. These dogs are not just numbers – they are lives that have been saved from the streets and deserve safe, permanent homes. 'The state government must act now to prevent further harm to these animals,' said Kalaivanan. He expressed concern that the shelter's closure would disrupt the lives of the dogs that rely on 4PAWS for daily care and protection. 'The issue of land insecurity is not unique to 4PAWS. As urbanisation accelerates, many animal shelters across Malaysia are being displaced to make way for development.' He stressed that the lack of long-term land security is a growing challenge for animal welfare NGOs, many of which are struggling to provide care for the country's rising stray population. SAFM is calling for a dedicated support framework for such organisations, and urging state and federal governments to offer sustainable, long-term land or shelter solutions. 'Without stable premises, shelters face constant threats of eviction, which limit their ability to continue rescuing and caring for animals,' said Kalaivanan. SAFM has extended a call to other NGOs, the public and corporate players to unite in a collective appeal to the state government. Kalaivanan said immediate action is essential to avoid forcing hundreds of animals back onto the streets. 'A swift and decisive intervention from the Penang government is critical to ensure a permanent solution for 4PAWS. 'It is not only about the welfare of the animals; it is about reducing public nuisance and managing stray populations more effectively.' SAFM highlighted the key role that corporate support could play. Companies are encouraged to integrate animal welfare into their corporate social responsibility strategies, helping shelters sustain operations and rescue efforts. SAFM is also urging Malaysians to step forward, whether through donations, volunteering or advocacy, to support shelters in continuing their essential mission. 'The role of the community is crucial in ensuring these animals get the protection and care they deserve,' said Kalaivanan. 4PAWS founder Barbara Janssen voiced concern over the shelter's uncertain future. 'There are few locations that could accommodate the number of dogs we house. The heartbreaking reality is that we may be forced to release some or even all of them back onto the streets.' Despite fundraising efforts, the shelter has only managed to raise RM60,000 through public donations. 'This has been our home for 15 years. Relocating would be extremely difficult. Our fate lies in the hands of the community.'
