A recent video has captured the hearts of many Malaysians after revealing an elderly woman who has been dedicated to caring for stray dogs for the past seven years.
Local influencer Sidney (@hiraethrm.jpg) took to Instagram to highlight the challenges faced by Ms Janaki, who has been voluntarily looking after the animals.
Elderly woman caring for stray dogs ordered to vacate Kuala Lumpur land
According to Sidney, during a visit to a plot of land in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur, he met Ms Janaki and learned that she had been caring for the stray dogs using only her late husband’s RM500 SOCSO allowance.
However, she recently faced a setback after receiving a notice from the landowners asking her to vacate the area as it is set to be developed into a condominium.
“Upon hearing the news, she was left heartbroken. She doesn’t know where to move the dogs and fears that releasing them onto the streets would likely lead to them being caught by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). Every day, Ms Janaki feeds the dogs, looks after them, and has even built a small shelter for them using her own savings,” Sidney said.
More than 50 dogs in need of rescue
Ms Janaki also shared her fear of sending the dogs to a shelter, as the cost can range from RM200 to RM500 per dog each month, which she simply can’t afford.
“With so many dogs, the total cost would run into thousands every month. She’s also unsure whether any shelter would be able to properly care for them or treat them kindly, and worries they could face neglect or cruelty if sent to the wrong place.”
Out of desperation, Sidney said Ms Janaki had even asked him if he knew of any clinics that could put the dogs down.
“That’s how desperate she is right now. If anyone out there can help, NGOs, shelters willing to take in the dogs, or anyone who can guide Ms Janaki on what to do.
“There are around 50 to 60 dogs, and it would mean a lot to both Ms Janaki and me to know they can be saved. Every dog deserves a home, and every dog deserves a chance to live,” Sidney added.
A call for collective action
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Sidney shared his hopes of changing the system through collective effort, saying he cannot do it alone.
“I want to show people that all you need is a voice and a kind heart to make a huge difference. People have more power than they think, and kindness is not something you are simply born with; it is a choice,” he said.
Sidney also hopes the story will shine a light on the struggles faced by dog shelters in Malaysia amid rising cases of animal cruelty and a lack of intervention for voiceless animals.
“That’s something I’m determined to change through the collective strength of people coming together because I simply can’t do it alone,” he added.
How you can help
Sidney is currently doing 50 push-ups a day to help raise funds for Ms Janaki and the dogs, with a target of RM4,600. For those who would like to help, here are the donation details:
- Account Name: Persatuan Pembelaan Hak Anjing Jalanan Yang Tersisih (PAWTARIAN)
- Bank: CIMB
- Account Number: 8011131569
- Reference: Janaki
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