The Unsung Heroes of Animal Welfare
The Struggle to Care for Stray Animals in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Amidst the distressing cases of animal cruelty that often make headlines, it’s a relief to hear about everyday Malaysians who have devoted themselves to the care of helpless and homeless animals. Among them is Sharifah Alina, who has been caring for abandoned dogs in Rawang and Selayang for the past five years.
A Passionate Commitment to Animal Welfare
Sharifah and her friend Voon Mei Lan are the co-founders of Winy’s Home Animal Shelter in Rawang, which currently houses over 200 dogs and other neglected animals. Despite the challenges they face, Sharifah believes it is her duty to help abandoned animals.
"Who else will take care of them? We must do it as humans with rational minds. Where else would they go? They are creations of God, too, and must be helped," Sharifah, 57, told FMT Lifestyle.
The Daily Struggle to Care for the Animals
Both Sharifah and Voon have day jobs – Voon, a single mother, is a hairdresser, while Sharifah runs a restaurant with her husband – but they devote much of their time to their cause. Most of the dogs they rescue were involved in accidents, but no matter how bad the injuries are, the pair do their best to care for the animal and nurse it back to health.
The Shelter’s Humble Setup
While their shelter is a humble setup, Sharifah, Voon and their small team do their best to get by. Maintaining it can cost up to RM15,000 a month – most of it on food and medicine. Voon and Sharifah run Winy’s Home through donations as well as out of their own pockets. But with funds running low and the cost of necessities ever increasing, they are turning to the public for aid and financial contributions.
The Dream of a Permanent Home
The friends also dream of a piece of land to call their own, on which they can house their dogs. If this could happen, they said, the money they spend on rent could instead be channelled into helping the animals.
A Plea for Help
Sometimes, people ask us to rescue nine or 10 puppies. We take care of them as best as we can. But it can feel like the difficulties never end. That’s why we would appreciate any kind of help, Sharifah added.
Conclusion
Despite the uphill battle, Sharifah and Voon remain committed to their mission out of a deep love for animals. Their dedication and passion are a testament to the power of compassion and kindness.
FAQs
Q: How can I help Winy’s Home Animal Shelter?
A: You can contact Voon Mei Lan at 016-661 6179 for more information on how to help.
Q: What is the current situation at the shelter?
A: The shelter currently houses over 200 dogs and other neglected animals. It is a humble setup, but the team does their best to care for the animals despite the challenges they face.
Q: What are the biggest challenges faced by the shelter?
A: The biggest challenges faced by the shelter are the rising costs of food and medicine, as well as the lack of a permanent home.