Dog gets trapped on Penang apartment rooftop for a week, dies

A dog that was trapped on the rooftop of a 17th-floor apartment in Penang for a week has died.

In a tribute post on Aug. 28, the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4Paws) said the dog could have possibly slipped and fallen to its death following heavy rain on Aug. 27, which carried into the morning of Aug. 28.

Multiple rescue attempts made

According to 4Paws, the dog had been trapped on the rooftop of Villa Kejora apartment in Relau, Penang, since Aug. 20.

4Paws was first alerted to the situation on Aug. 23.

They immediately sent a team to rescue the dog, spending nearly three hours to entice the dog to safety, but to no avail.

The organisation's rescue attempt soon evolved into a multi-agency rescue operation on Aug. 25.

It involved officers from the Fire and Rescue Department, Penang Island City Council officers and Civil Defence Force, as well as volunteers from 4Paws.

Rescuers decided to create a larger opening by cutting through a metal door to provide the dog with a potential escape route.

To entice the dog, they also laid out a spread of food options, including fried chicken, roasted chicken, and even KFC fast food.

Despite their coordinated efforts, the dog remained hesitant, refusing to enter the room or designated traps laid out for it.

"For days he endured hunger, loneliness, and the sight of so many people below hoping to save him. His story touched countless hearts. And now, though he is gone, we pray his soul has found peace away from the fear and struggle he faced here," said 4Paws.

Top image via Penang Animal Welfare Society on Facebook