PETALING JAYA: One of the biggest challenges faced by animal rescue groups is to ensure there is a constant supply of food.

To do this, the groups must regularly raise funds for food, or collect food from well-wishers and donors.

On that note, canine welfare group Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) faces food shortage issues at least once in three to four months.

“That is when we reach out to the public to help us get rice and kibbles for our 165 dogs,’’ said MDDB adoption coordinator Christine Lai.

She said MDDB was currently facing an acute shortage of kibbles and rice, and hoped that well-wishers would come forward to help.

Lai added it was exceptionally difficult now to raise funds, as people are careful with their spending due to economic uncertainties.

Given this, MDDB will be raising funds, as well as receive donations of rice and kibbles to feed its dogs at the main entrance of Citta Mall, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, on Sunday (Nov 25).

“We will be here from 11.00am to 6.00pm,’’ said Lai, adding there will also be some puppies up for adoption at the venue.

She said MDDB was also going through a difficult phase due to the construction of its canine sanctuary, which is costing more than expected.

“Initially, we thought its was only putting up the structures, but now we have to also build an external retaining wall and drainage system,’’ said Lai.

She added rocks for the retaining wall itself cost RM500 a lorry and the contractor said he needs at least 20 lorries to put up a strong retaining wall around the entire sanctuary, which sits on elevated land.

“Whatever it is, we have to finish-up the sanctuary and move in to give our dogs a better quality of life,’’ she said.

Lai added the dogs were all rescued puppies that ended-up not adopted.

For more details, contact 0122414749 or email malaysiandogsdeservebetter1@gmail.com