What To Do If You Find An Injured Animal Or Animal In Distress In Malaysia
It's always best to know what to do before a situation arises.
By Tamara Jayne — 04 Jul 2024, 11:53 AM
If you've found an injured or sick animal
For domestic pets
1. Take the animal to the nearest veterinarian if you're able to transport it.
2. Put up notices on social media and the Lost and Found section on Pet Finder.
3. If the animal is wearing a license tag, reach out to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) via their 24-hour WhatsApp hotline at +6013-706 6770 to find out who the owner is.
Some vet clinics may also be able to find the owner if they have a microchip scanner and can check if the animal has a microchip.
For straysContact The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for its Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme. They might be able to take in the animal or offer advice.
SPCA Emergency Centre: +603-4256 5312 (10am - 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday)
Email: [email protected]
For wildlife
1. Avoid approaching the animal too closely. This could frighten it further. A scared or injured animal might lash out.
2. Contact the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). They are responsible for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
3. Take photos, record the location, time and date of incident, and inform PERHILITAN.
PERHILITAN hotline: 1-300-88-5151 / 1800-88-5151 (Daily, 8am - 6pm)
+603-9086 6800 (Monday to Friday, except public holidays, 7.30am - 5.30pm)
Alternatively, you can reach out to other wildlife rescue organisations:
- TRAFFIC: Report illegal wildlife trade
- Wildlife Conservation Society: +6011-40075177
- The Malaysian Nature Society: +603-22879422
If you've found newborn babies or young animals
If you find young puppies, kittens, or other animals alone, it doesn't automatically mean they've been abandoned. The mother might be out searching for food or moving her babies to a better location. If you see one or two, she could be coming back for the others.
If the animals are in a safe spot, watch from a distance for an hour or two. Ultimately, you'll need to use your judgment based on the litter's needs and your resources.
Remember that baby animals have the best chance of survival with their mothers. If you do bring them inside, keep them away from other pets until they have been evaluated by a veterinarian.
If the baby animal is injured, orphaned (no mother around), or in immediate danger (harsh weather or predators), then intervention is necessary.
Contact an animal shelter like SPCA. They are equipped to care for abandoned domestic animals like kittens and puppies.
Share pictures and details on social media or online platforms like Pet Finder Malaysia to find potential foster homes.
For wildlife baby animals, contact PERHILITAN or other wildlife rescue organisations.
