Butterworth Fur Kids’ Home needs funds for new animal shelter

The Butterworth Fur Kids’ Home (BFKH), a no-kill animal shelter in Juru, urgently seeks funding to build a proper and more spacious structure on a plot of land beside where the animals are now housed.

The current facility houses around 300 dogs and cats, but space limitations hinder their ability to care for more animals in need.

“We need to start work for land clearing and earth filling to comply with the local council’s requirements as soon as possible,” explained Kenken Jong, the founder of BFKH.

Facing a deadline to begin construction

BFKH received approval to commence groundwork in January 2024. However, due to unforeseen delays, they have already maxed out the allowable extensions on their building application deadline.

“We need to clear the 1.6-acre land, fill the earth to a height of about 2 metres, and ensure that the hoardings are put up before our architect can apply for the Commencement of Work (CoW) from MPSP by 18 May 2024. The process will take 10 days for approval.

“The pre-requisites also include erecting signage and other requirements such as preparing a shallow pool and two units of water jets, and a 30-metre concrete road at the entrance/exit point,” she said.

Failure to meet these requirements will force BFKH to restart the application process, significantly delaying the construction of the new shelter.

The fundraising goal of RM400,000 will cover the initial preparatory work for the new shelter.

The site of the current shelter sits behind the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Seberang Perai and is part of SPCA’s land leased from MPSP.

“Since SPCA uses only the front portion, its past president, Madam Tan, has graciously agreed to let us utilise the back portion of the unused land.

“Once our new shelter is ready, we will move there,” she said. The new site is located next to where the SPCA is. 

The new shelter will boast features designed to prioritize animal welfare, including an office and staff quarters, spacious housing for up to 500 animals, a multi-purpose hall, free-roaming areas for the animals, and secure fencing.

Butterworth Fur Kids’ going beyond animal care

BFKH goes beyond providing shelter and basic necessities for animals.

They offer healthcare services like vaccinations and neutering, and conduct educational seminars and movie screenings to raise public awareness about animal welfare.

Previously, BFKH operated from various locations in Seberang Perai, including Kampung Bagan Belat in Teluk Air Tawar, Berapit, and another site adjacent to the new site in Juru, facing frequent relocation due to complaints.

This instability has hampered their ability to care for animals effectively. The number of animals in need has grown significantly since BFKH began caring for strays from their home compound 12 years ago.

In addition to funding, BFKH also seeks dedicated volunteers to assist with daily tasks like walking and bathing the animals.

The shelter’s dedicated committee members and volunteers are instrumental in allowing them to continue their work. However, the growing number of animals necessitates additional support.

“Hanna Tan, our committee member, and Dr SY Thong and her daughter, are committed volunteers who regularly help out at the shelter.

The Butterworth Fur Kids’ Home is committed to providing a safe haven for abandoned and neglected animals. By raising the necessary funds and acquiring additional volunteers, BFKH hopes to fulfill their mission of creating a compassionate environment for their furry friends.