A hope for stray cats and dogs at Penang Animal Sanctuary

By Chong Wan Chi

The Penang Animal Sanctuary (PASS), located in the tranquil heart of Penang Island, has been a haven of hope and compassion for stray cats and dogs since 2003. PASS has a strict no-kill policy, believing that every animal is a creation of God and deserves to live. Over the years, PASS has evolved into more than just a shelter; it has become a symbol of mercy and a monument to the community’s unwavering animal support.

Most of the morning, PASS is alive with the quiet hum of dedicated workers and its many residents’ happy barks and purrs. The sanctuary spans an expansive green landscape and provides a safe refuge for animals to recuperate, thrive, and find new homes.

PASS received a huge boost this weekend from a dedicated group of the Community Service Club from PBT USM who participated in the “Warm Help Love” initiative. The Project Director of the “Warm Help Love” volunteer event, Wendy Chan, led the charge in this humane endeavor, with Tee Yu Cheng, the Community Service Club President, as Vice Project Director.

According to the Vice Project Director, Tee Yu Cheng, the “Warm Help Love” event aims to provide university students with an opportunity to rescue stray cats and dogs. Students who devote their free time to animal welfare can create knowledge about animal protection, spread love and responsibility, and encourage others to join their efforts.

“We hope to generate funds for PASS to aid them with their financial responsibilities,” Tee continued.

The volunteers groom the dogs. Photo by Chong Wan Chi

During the event, volunteers participated in various activities in the sanctuary. They helped clean the facilities, groom the animals, and learn how to prepare and feed them. This hands-on experience benefited the animals and helped students realize the significance of animal care.

However, organizing the event was challenging. The Project Director, Wendy Chan, mentioned that their biggest challenge was transportation. “With the university hosting the SUKAD events, numerous buses have already been booked. We had to use private cars to transport volunteers to and from the sanctuary,” Wendy explained.

The “Warm Help Love” event attracted 30 volunteers, excluding seven committee members. Most of the participants were first-year students from various schools at the university.

One of the participants, Wang Qi Qi, Management 2, indicated that this event created a strong and growing interest in community service and animal welfare among herself and the younger student population.

After the event, the volunteers felt a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the animals they had helped. Their efforts at PASS have made a real difference in the lives of stray cats and dogs and sparked a wave of compassion and commitment to animal welfare in their community.

“The Community Service Club from PBT USM aims to provide opportunities for university students to connect with the community and give back. Their activities in the future include environmental protection, public welfare, and social contribution, all to instill a sense of responsibility and mission in the public,” the President of the Society Community Service Club, Tee Yu Cheng, emphasized.

According to the Person In Charge of The Penang Animal Sanctuary, Mr. Oh said that the sanctuary’s success is primarily reliant on the efforts of volunteers and benefactors. Volunteers from all areas of life provide their time and skills, and donations assist in paying the costs of food, medical supplies, and maintenance.

“We couldn't do this without our volunteers and donors, their support is crucial to our mission,” Mr. Oh asserted.

Finding participants loving homes is the PASS’s goal, despite the organization serving as a sanctuary. A rigorous adoption process matches a suitable and responsible owner with each animal. This goal is aided by frequent adoption drives and community gatherings that promote adoptions and raise awareness.

“Seeing our animals find their forever homes is the highlight of our work. We ensure adopters are fully prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership,” Mr. Oh hope.