A Malaysian MMA fighter recently missed his flight to rescue a group of stray dogs he had been feeding, shortly after the animals were captured by Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).
Taking to his Facebook page, AJ “Pyro” Lias shared how he decided against boarding his flight to Kuala Lumpur after a “gut feeling” told him something was wrong. His intuition proved correct when he discovered that the stray dogs living at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) had been rounded up by DBKK.
A heartbreaking discovery
He wrote:
“My heart sank. I immediately understood why I felt so uneasy about leaving. If I had boarded that flight, I wouldn’t have been here for them. My wife and I rushed straight to the DBKK dog pound to bail out four of my stray dogs.
“Seeing them there was painful. They were scared, confused, and didn’t understand what was happening.”
From the pound, the dogs were taken to a veterinary clinic for check-ups, neutering, vaccinations, NexGard SPECTRA treatments, and temporary boarding.
A plea for help
However, AJ now faces a difficult dilemma. Fearing for the dogs’ safety should they be returned to the airport area, he is appealing to the public to help find them permanent homes. He is also seeking donations to help manage the mounting medical and boarding costs.
“I already have 22 rescue cats and four rescue dogs at home. My house is full; it is crowded. I am struggling financially to care for all of them, and I truly cannot take in any more,” AJ explained.
“If no one steps forward to adopt or foster them, I may have no choice but to release them elsewhere in KK, and that breaks my heart because I don’t know if they’ll be safe,” he added.
AJ is urging anyone who can help, whether through adoption, fostering, or simply sharing his story, to come forward immediately.
“Please, if you can adopt, foster, or even share this post, do it now. These dogs need a second chance. I am also humbly asking for donations to help cover their medical bills. Neutering, vaccinations, NexGard SPECTRA, and boarding are costly, and they need to stay at the vet for now,” he added.
If you would like to support AJ’s mission, you can donate via the details below:
Maybank: 1643 5109 0489
Name: Jumat Lias Pyropaws
Reference: KKIA Dogs
Alternatively, you can reach out to AJ directly via WhatsApp at 010-9317869.
“Every Ringgit helps. Every share matters. Every adopter saves a life.”
What do you think about this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Uncle Kentang Launches ‘Malaysia Kind Heart Awards’ to Champion Kindness & Honour Everyday Heroes
