Dog shelter gains reprieve amid threat of road closure

Summary

• FurryKids Safehaven secures govt funding and private aid to clear a reserve road allowing access to its property, which houses over 2,000 rescued dogs.

• The animal shelter says the road must be cleared as its existing access path is on private land owned by an individual unwilling to permit the continued use of the road.

A Seremban-based animal shelter has managed to secure government and private aid to address its longstanding accessibility issues, which threatened to endanger over 2,000 rescue dogs.

FurryKids Safehaven said it has received the necessary support to address the dire condition of a never-developed 1km reserve road passing through a jungle and featuring a broken bridge.

The shelter previously appealed for public donations to clear the reserve path as its sole access road is on private property, with the landowner allegedly refusing to let the shelter pass despite offers to negotiate and pay rent.

FurryKids had also dismissed the option of relocating its Kuala Sawah shelter as many of its rescued dogs are disabled, old or recovering from injuries.

In a statement today, the shelter said Seremban MP Anthony Loke, who is also the transport minister, and Nilai assemblyperson Arul Kumar Jambunathan had contributed RM18,000, with the funds covering the cost of clearing the reserve road.

It added that construction company Negeri Roadstone Sdn Bhd will sponsor the crusher-run material necessary to stabilise the road.

“Yesterday, officials from the Land Office visited our site to conduct mapping of the route, marking a crucial step toward ensuring a long-term solution.

“In the coming days, the crusher run will be laid and compacted, making the road passable and greatly improving access to our shelter,” FurryKids said.

It added that while tarring of the road is expected to take some time, it hopes the process will be completed within the next few months.

Extending its appreciation to the government figures for their swift and decisive action to help resolve the issue, the shelter said such commitment to its cause underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing community challenges.

Challenges persist despite scheduled roadworks

However, despite the assistance offered after months of struggle, the shelter said challenges remain as its workers still lack a safe and direct footpath to the main road.

“The designated reserve road spans 1km through dense jungle, posing safety risks, especially at night.

“We are actively seeking solutions to this problem and hope to find a viable alternative soon,” it added.

In a Facebook post earlier today, FurryKids said the private landowner could block the shelter’s existing access road at any time, which would cause it to be cut off from essential supplies.

It added that public donations thus far will be used to stock up on food, medical supplies and necessities to ensure its rescued animals remain safe and cared for.

FurryKids can be contacted at 016-2307854, or interested parties can look up FurryKids' Facebook for more details.

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