THE Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS), an animal welfare organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abandoned dogs in Malaysia, is actively raising funds to purchase a piece of land costing RM1.2 million for a permanent dog shelter.
More than 200 animal lovers gathered at a fundraising dinner held at Frandy Beach Bar in Batu Ferringhi yesterday in support of the initiative, after learning that the landowner of the shelter currently occupied by 4PAWS in Teluk Bahang has announced plans to sell the property in April 2025.
As the asking price of RM2.2 million is beyond the organisation’s reach, 4PAWS began searching for an alternative site and has identified a neighbouring 2.6-acre plot of land priced at RM1.2 million.
The fundraising dinner raised RM21,150 in net proceeds, bringing the total amount collected so far to RM431,000. Currently, 4PAWS cares for about 700 dogs at its shelter in Teluk Bahang.
4PAWS founder and president Barbara Janssen, together with vice-president Murugan, expressed their gratitude to all attendees and sponsors for their support towards the project.
Speaking at the dinner, Janssen, 81, recalled an unforgettable experience rescuing two puppies shortly after moving from Germany to Penang in 2005.
“One day, I saw two puppies running on the main road, and I was terrified. I took them in, but as I was a hotel guest at the time, I had to ask others to help care for them and paid for their services until a solution could be found,” she said.
Janssen came to Penang for retirement, and what began as rescuing a few stray dogs soon became a lifelong commitment to animal welfare, eventually leading to the establishment of 4PAWS as a non-profit organisation.
The society practises a no-kill policy, providing continued care for animals whose age or disabilities may make them less likely to be adopted.
She also shared another memorable experience, recalling how one night, while sleeping alone, a small dog she kept leapt onto her abdomen to sleep on her.
“This was like heaven,” she told the crowd, which included her daughter, Ela, who flew in from Germany and has been staying in Penang since September last year.
In another incident, Janssen recounted suffering a serious wound following an accident that required repeated visits to the clinic for stitches, yet the injury refused to heal.
“But I have a dog named Bambee, and she is like a doctor. She started to lick my wound, and after 10 days, it completely healed. Even my doctor was surprised. Do not underestimate the power of dogs,” she said.
Over the years since her arrival in Penang, Janssen said she is deeply grateful to the many friends and volunteers she has met along the way, whom she described as ‘angels’ who have journeyed with her in caring for the dogs. She added that she has spent more than RM800,000 on building the shelter and covering related expenses.
One such ‘angel’ is Murugan, a Myanmarese worker who has served at 4PAWS for over 11 years. Janssen said it was Murugan who rushed her to the hospital when she suffered a stroke in August 2024.
Murugan affectionately calls Janssen his ‘Grandma’, crediting her for her love and guidance in teaching him how to rescue animals from the streets, care for them and administer medication.
Initially, Murugan was hesitant when Janssen asked if he would be willing to take over the organisation when she could no longer manage it.
“I was afraid that I might not be able to cope with the responsibility and wondered whether I would receive the support of others,” he said.
“But when Grandma suffered a stroke and needed pacemaker surgery, I decided to take over the running of the shelter to lift the burden from her shoulders. Even in her weak condition, she was still more concerned about the dogs’ welfare than her own health. I was touched, and I promised her that I would care for the dogs and for her as well. All I asked was her support and guidance.”
He added that 4PAWS requires RM35,000 a month to run the dog shelter, which employs six full-time workers.
At present, Murugan said 4PAWS is not accepting new strays, except for emergency cases, as it works to resolve its shelter situation.
“We are still short of RM769,000 to purchase the land, and we will need additional funds to build the new shelter,” he said.
“Having a permanent shelter will remove the constant worry of relocation, and it will also allow us to take in more animals.
“We appeal to the public for kindness and support in helping voiceless animals. Tax-exempt donation receipts will be issued.”
Murugan added that 4PAWS plans to sign the letter of offer to purchase the land in March and has until October to settle the full amount.
Those who wish to learn more about 4PAWS may email [email protected] or contact Murugan at +6016-342 0703.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian and courtesy of 4PAWS
