GEORGE TOWN: The heart-wrenching rescue of a stray dog known as Hero has ended in tragedy.
Hero, stranded on the rooftop of Villa Kejora Apartment for seven days, fell from the 17th floor early this morning, believed to have been caused by a heavy downpour, before rescuers could reach him.
Despite the tireless efforts of rescuers, the vulnerable dog could not be saved.
“With deep heartbreak and sorrow, Hero has tragically fallen from the 17th floor and has passed away. Our rescue mission has failed. We are truly sorry,” announced David Yim, a dog feeder and rescuer, on Facebook.
The rescue operation involved the Fire and Rescue Department, 4PAWS (Penang Animal Welfare Society), International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA), Penang Island City Council officers, the Civil Defence Force, animal lovers and volunteers from Selangor, the Peranakan Chingay Pulau Pinang, and Yim himself.
Rescuers worked around the clock, adjusting their strategies, securing paths, and providing food and water to gain Hero’s trust.
“We did everything we could. We carefully repositioned the cage, strengthened the route, and made sure there was always fresh food and water. But Hero was too frightened to step into safety,” Yim said.
Hero had likely wandered into the apartment complex, possibly following a resident’s dog or seeking refuge, before being chased to the rooftop. Though terrified, the dog occasionally showed trust toward the humans trying to save him.
A local resident first alerted rescuers after spotting the dog on the rooftop, and from then on, the operation to bring Hero down safely began.
The community had rallied to bring Hero to safety, with 4PAWS even pledging to take him in if no owner was found.
Despite these collaborative efforts, the mission ended in heartbreak, leaving the community mourning the loss of a brave but unfortunate stray.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
