Man and 35 dogs homeless

Odd job worker’s shack torn down by MBPP after notices

GEORGE TOWN: Despite having little to support himself, an oddjob worker still cared for 35 stray dogs.

But they have been squatting on council land. So, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) enforcement officers eventually took action after several notices were issued to him to vacate the land.

The man, known only as James, was devastated when 10 officers appeared yesterday at his makeshift shack in Relau, Bayan Lepas and roped eight dogs using long sticks and noose, while the remaining ones scurried into the hills nearby.

“I have been taking care of these dogs like my children,” said James, 61, who wept as the officers proceeded to tear down his shack along with an illegal temple structure.

“I know the land belongs to the council but they could have at least informed me of their plan to pull down our home,” he said.

James had been staying with the dogs at the shack behind a Chinese temple in Taman Alor Vista in Relau for the past 16 years.

With public help, he had been feeding and sheltering the strays despite not holding a proper job due to poor health.

“I am ill. I can’t walk fast as I have bad eyesight. But I never let the dogs go hungry,” he said.

He used to make floral handicraft items for sale using recycled aluminum cans but stopped

I am ill. I can’t walk fast as I have bad eyesight. But I never let the dogs go hungry.

James

doing so when his eyesight failed him.

James said he would now have to look for a place to stay.

He was in the news about two years ago for taking care of 26 stray mutts on the land.

MBPP councillor Connie Tan said the council was merely carrying out its duty as James had been issued with notices to vacate the land in the past two years.

“We took custody of eight dogs while the others fled to the hills during the operation by MBPP’s Community Services Department personnel,” she said.

Tan said the council was concerned about the dogs and was working with the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals on this.

“To put it plainly, illegal shelters are illegal. They may bring more problems such as hygiene issues.

“Besides, it does not help solve the stray dogs problem in the long run,” she added.

The council had earlier said that the plot of land where James had been squatting on was earmarked for the phase three expansion of Relau Metropolitan Park.