By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Stray dogs often face unfortunate circumstances, frequently labelled as nuisances or threats to the public.
However, not all stray dogs or those abandoned by their owners are aggressive; and many suffer from starvation due to a lack of food sources.
One animal activist, Nazirah Abdul Rahman, 47, affectionately known as Mama Pinky, has been actively feeding stray dogs around Ipoh for several years.
She provides food to dozens of stray dogs at midnight, after finishing her main job at Station 18.
Nazirah purchases supplies of chicken bones at the market for a week, along with dry dog food and wet food.
“I feel sorry for these stray dogs; they are also God’s creations. They won’t attack humans unless threatened or disturbed.
“Throughout my time feeding these stray dogs alone, they have never attacked or acted aggressively.
“In fact, the dogs recognize my pink vehicle from a distance and gather to eat.
“They particularly love chicken bones, but since they are quite expensive, I mix them with rice and wet food,” she said.
She added that the cost for feeding the dogs can reach up to RM1,500 a month, which is why she works two jobs to support this.
“The issue of stray or abandoned dogs actually begins when individuals abandon their pets.
“When female dogs are not spayed, they breed, leading to various other issues; that’s why spaying is important to control the population.
“Many ask why I am so dedicated to feeding these stray dogs; it’s because I feel pity for those that are hungry.
“If there are individuals who lack compassion for these animals, at least they should feel pity for them since they are hungry and homeless,” she said, residing in Batu Gajah.
Every day around 12:30 AM or 1 AM, she travels to Station 18 and Lahat Mines to feed the dogs.
For any information or contributions for stray animals, Nazirah can be contacted at 012-533 5133.
