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A lorry crashed into an animal shelter van carrying 20 cats and five dogs on the North-South Expressway yesterday, 12 April, resulting in the deaths of three cats
In a statement to SAYS, Star Animal Shelter said the incident occurred when its founder, Shikin, her husband, sister, and a volunteer were on their way to the Oh My Pet Expo in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur.
During the journey, they heard a strange sound coming from their engine and stopped the van in the emergency lane near the Simpang Ampat exit (KM222) in Melaka.
Shikin and her husband got out of the vehicle to inspect the engine and check on the pet carriers, which were believed to have toppled. Her sister and the volunteer remained inside the van.
"Suddenly, a lorry hit the van from behind with great force, causing it to roll a few metres before overturning into a roadside ditch.
"Shikin and her husband, who were standing on the passenger side of the van, fell near the ditch. Her sister was thrown out of the van, while the volunteer was trapped inside with the animals," the statement read.
Shikin and her husband rushed to help and managed to rescue the trapped volunteer and animals
Amid the chaos, several animals escaped from their carriers and ran onto the expressway.
Footage SAYS sighted shows a cat's carcass lying on the road as vehicles sped past.
At the time of writing, 14 cats are receiving treatment, three remain missing, and three have died.
Meanwhile, four dogs have been warded, while one three-legged dog, nicknamed 9.9, was initially missing.
The shelter team brought 9.9's best friend, White White, to assist in the search, and the dog was eventually found deep a nearby jungle.
The van is believed to be beyond repair
Speaking to SAYS, committee member Revathi said the most pressing issue is the loss of the van, which serves as the shelter's only mode of transportation.
"It is used for adoption drives, rescuing animals, and assisting other animal NGOs.
"Through these adoption drives, we are able to rehome animals and raise funds to sustain the shelter's operations," said, adding that locating the remaining missing animals is also a priority.
When asked about the financial impact of the accident, Revathi said the second-hand van is estimated to be worth more than RM15,000.
"The broken carriers cost between RM100 and over RM200. This does not include the medical treatment expenses for the injured animals," she said.
Revathi also said the lorry driver accompanied Shikin to lodge a police report, and the case is currently under investigation.
The NGO is now seeking public support to purchase a new van, cover veterinary treatment costs, and replace damaged carriers to continue its operations.
Those who wish to donate can visit Star Animal Shelter's Instagram page here for more information.
