Thai shelter for disabled stray dogs threatened by pandemic

[webfact]

Thai shelter for disabled stray dogs threatened by pandemic

By Athit Perawongmetha

 

Disabled dogs in mobility aids wait before a daily walk at The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation in Chonburi, Thailand, January 26, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

CHONBURI, Thailand (Reuters) - With tails wagging to a chorus of barks and yelps, more than two dozen dogs attached to wheels that support their disabled hind legs scramble along a rocky path, taking their daily exercise.

 

Mostly victims of accidents, the 27 dogs are being nursed back to health at a shelter in Thailand's province of Chonburi southeast of the capital, Bangkok.

 

"It's almost like they have no idea that they have a disability and once you put them in the wheelchair for the first time, it's like there's no learning curve," said shelter official Christopher Chidichimo.

 

The shelter, run by a foundation called The Man That Rescues Dogs, was set up by a Swede who moved to Chonburi in 2002 and was so dismayed by the poor condition of strays that he started caring for them after work.

 

But its future is now in doubt, after the coronavirus pandemic led to a 40% drop in donations and slashed the number of foreign visitors.

 

"The donations are very important, and the volunteers and visitors are equally important, because they come and spread our message," said Chidichimo, who is a sponsorship coordinator at the shelter.

 

The shelter spends more than $1,300 each day to care for more than 600 dogs and feed 350 more that live on the streets.

Its volunteers also look after paralysed and disabled dogs, including physiotherapy sessions, but scarce funds have forced it to suspend a monthly campaign to spay and neuter strays.

 

Thailand, estimated to have more than 800,000 stray cats and dogs in 2017, could see their number reach 2 million by 2027 and 5 million in 20 years unless it takes some steps to control numbers, livestock authorities says.

 

For now, the disabled dogs in Chonburi enjoy their daily rambles.

 

 

"They are eager for us to strap them up," said dog handler Phanuphong Borphuak, referring to the canine mobility aids.

 

"They run very fast, we humans can't keep up with them."

 

(Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Karishma Singh)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-02-05

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

[jacko45k]

5 minutes ago, law ling said:

Wonders never cease here - I'm really scratching my head on this one: surely injured, unowned dogs (if not all stray dogs) should be painlessly put down.

 

Would you do that to a human being? If not , that is the reason, some people value life in all forms.

[Rimmer]

A troll post has been removed

[Antonymous]

They do tremendous good work for dogs and deserve support.

 

I highly recommend a visit if you are in the Pattaya area (and if you love dogs and have a heart).

[digger70]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The shelter spends more than $1,300 each day to care for more than 600 dogs and feed 350 more that live on the streets.

Its volunteers also look after paralysed and disabled dogs, including physiotherapy sessions, but scarce funds have forced it to suspend a monthly campaign to spay and neuter strays.

 

Thailand, estimated to have more than 800,000 stray cats and dogs in 2017, could see their number reach 2 million by 2027 and 5 million in 20 years unless it takes some steps to control numbers, livestock authorities says.

It's about time that they stop Wasting Money.

They are Soi dogs that nobody Wants/Owns .

It's the Government Fault that here are so many ,Why?

The Government is Doing Nothing to bring this big Problem under Control. 

There should be a culling program over the Whole country to get rid of this problem.

They Know the Right thing to do ,,,,,But this is Thailand ,,,,,Who in Satans Name Cares.

[Leaver]

8 hours ago, jacko45k said:

some people value life in all forms.

 

But you are in a country that values money above life.  

[snowgard]

The shelter spends more than $1,300 each day to care for more than 600 dogs and feed 350 more that live on the streets.

 

But there is something foul!!! My 3 dogs (2 big GSD & 1 Thai dog) costs me only 520,- THB for food every 14 days. This are only 13,4 THB per dog/day.

 

So 600 dogs costs only 8.040 THB/day but never $1.300/day!!!

If they eat so much, it will never been more as 10.000-12.000 THB/day.

[Morch]

17 minutes ago, snowgard said:

The shelter spends more than $1,300 each day to care for more than 600 dogs and feed 350 more that live on the streets.

 

But there is something foul!!! My 3 dogs (2 big GSD & 1 Thai dog) costs me only 520,- THB for food every 14 days. This are only 13,4 THB per dog/day.

 

So 600 dogs costs only 8.040 THB/day but never $1.300/day!!!

If they eat so much, it will never been more as 10.000-12.000 THB/day.

 

600 dogs being taken care for in shelter, 350 more fed on the streets (if I understood correctly). I would guess your dogs are treated well, so maybe less medical expenses. Then there's gas, vehicles, water, and maintaining a facility for that many dogs. It's not a simple 'per head' count.

[Dagfinnur Traustason]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Mostly victims of accidents, the 27 dogs are being nursed back to health at a shelter in Thailand's province of Chonburi southeast of the capital, Bangkok.

Yes, and the poor people get to stay poor and sleep on the streets.

[Orton Rd]

11 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Would you do that to a human being? If not , that is the reason, some people value life in all forms.

 

Not a meat eater then? nothing more hypocritical than people who stick up for soi dog pests but at the same time scoff dead animals. I laughed when I saw the pic, what are these people doing, these dogs should have been put down at the start.

[herfiehandbag]

4 hours ago, digger70 said:

It's about time that they stop Wasting Money.

They are Soi dogs that nobody Wants/Owns .

It's the Government Fault that here are so many ,Why?

The Government is Doing Nothing to bring this big Problem under Control. 

There should be a culling program over the Whole country to get rid of this problem.

They Know the Right thing to do ,,,,,But this is Thailand ,,,,,Who in Satans Name Cares.

Interesting that you invoke Satans name! I would reply that they are God's creatures!

 

[Orton Rd]

Just now, herfiehandbag said:

Interesting that you invoke Satans name! I would reply that they are God's creatures!

 

 

So are the hundreds of thousands slaughtered for meat here every year as well

[herfiehandbag]

Just now, Orton Rd said:

 

So are the hundreds of thousands slaughtered for meat here every year as well

I don't want to get into the theology of the argument, but personally I believe that animals destined for consumption should be treated with kindness and respect throughout their lives, up to and including the moment at which they are slaughtered.

[Morch]

10 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

 

Not a meat eater then? nothing more hypocritical than people who stick up for soi dog pests but at the same time scoff dead animals. I laughed when I saw the pic, what are these people doing, these dogs should have been put down at the start.

 

Pulp Fiction quote coming up. Probably.

[Orton Rd]

1 hour ago, herfiehandbag said:

I don't want to get into the theology of the argument, but personally I believe that animals destined for consumption should be treated with kindness and respect throughout their lives, up to and including the moment at which they are slaughtered.

 

How can they be treated with kindness and respect if you are going to cut their throats and slice them up?

[jacko45k]

8 hours ago, Orton Rd said:

 

Not a meat eater then? nothing more hypocritical than people who stick up for soi dog pests but at the same time scoff dead animals. I laughed when I saw the pic, what are these people doing, these dogs should have been put down at the start.

I see little similarity in dining on eggs and bacon to going around shooting disabled dogs in the head. It is perhaps a middle ground I seek, I have disdain for people who put the welfare of animals over and above their fellow man...and women carrying soppy and useless  shix-sue (sic Shih Tzu) under their arm feeding it Belgian chocolates.....and boy do barking neighbour's dog make me wish I had a gun... but I would never agree to mass slaughter of the dogs in the OP, that are being cared for. That is simple compassion, to be without that is psychopathic.

Edited February 5, 2021 by jacko45k

[mikebell]

On 2/5/2021 at 9:46 AM, webfact said:

could see their number reach 2 million by 2027

I love a dog thread as I end up arguing with owners/lovers who by definition do not have sufficient brain cells to maintain a coherent argument. 

All non-working dogs should be put down humanely.  They are a source of disease; accidents; children savaging.  They are a waste of resources including oxygen.  500 years ago, Elizabethans used to empty their chamber pots on to the streets below - cholera was rife.  Today dog owners allow this to happen on EVERY soi in Thailand.

There's non-stop bleating about the loss of the tourist industry. IF things get back to normal in six years (2027) do you think people will come here to view crippled dogs?

[jacko45k]

57 minutes ago, mikebell said:

IF things get back to normal in six years (2027) do you think people will come here to view crippled dogs?

It will be on the tour like the orphanage.....

[Eindhoven]

5 hours ago, mikebell said:

I love a dog thread as I end up arguing with owners/lovers who by definition do not have sufficient brain cells to maintain a coherent argument. 

All non-working dogs should be put down humanely.  They are a source of disease; accidents; children savaging.  They are a waste of resources including oxygen.  500 years ago, Elizabethans used to empty their chamber pots on to the streets below - cholera was rife.  Today dog owners allow this to happen on EVERY soi in Thailand.

There's non-stop bleating about the loss of the tourist industry. IF things get back to normal in six years (2027) do you think people will come here to view crippled dogs?

 

What a sad post. 

Perhaps we should get rid of all things that do not benefit us directly. Is mikebell contributing positively to the human race? If we here consider not, perhaps he should be put down?

 

Do you imagine your argument coherent? Others may consider it psychopathic. Would you expect a coherent argument from a psychopath/sociopath? 

Please understand my words as hypothetical rather than an attack. You should understand that we don't all have the same view of the world and thank goodness for that.

 

You can be you and I can be me. You can have your opinion; just don't touch the dogs. ????

 

 

 

 

[ThaIrish Sean]

I usually find that people who are kind to animals are kind of people.

I worry about some of the humans in this post.

[oldhippy]

1 hour ago, ThaIrish Sean said:

I usually find that people who are kind to animals are kind of people.

I worry about some of the humans in this post.

Are you a vegetarian, or just an obsessed dog lover who likes to have power over dogs?

[Eindhoven]

1 hour ago, oldhippy said:

Are you a vegetarian, or just an obsessed dog lover who likes to have power over dogs?

 

QED

[oldhippy]

1 hour ago, Eindhoven said:

 

QED

I blame the priests that thaught you latin in middelbare school.

[mikebell]

14 hours ago, Eindhoven said:

 

What a sad post. 

Perhaps we should get rid of all things that do not benefit us directly. Is mikebell contributing positively to the human race? If we here consider not, perhaps he should be put down?

 

Do you imagine your argument coherent? Others may consider it psychopathic. Would you expect a coherent argument from a psychopath/sociopath? 

Please understand my words as hypothetical rather than an attack. You should understand that we don't all have the same view of the world and thank goodness for that.

 

You can be you and I can be me. You can have your opinion; just don't touch the dogs. ????

 

 

 

 

You have said nothing to refute any of my points about the irrelevance of most dogs in Thai society.  So apart from (subtly) suggesting I am psycho/socio-pathic your reply lacks the coherence you demand.

Do you accept dogs spread disease? Cause accidents? Are responsible for attacks on humans?  Deprive others of peace? Do you think crippled and suffering dogs should be kept alive?  It is possible to be positive by ridding society of a dangerous nuisance.

[jacko45k]

1 minute ago, mikebell said:

You have said nothing to refute any of my points about the irrelevance of most dogs in Thai society.  So apart from (subtly) suggesting I am psycho/socio-pathic your reply lacks the coherence you demand.

Do you accept dogs spread disease? Cause accidents? Are responsible for attacks on humans?  Deprive others of peace? Do you think crippled and suffering dogs should be kept alive?  It is possible to be positive by ridding society of a dangerous nuisance.

You have not detailed anything humans are responsible for and more-so! The dogs in the OP seem quite happy and are not suffering, and if a suffering animal can be readily cured or it's condition alleviated, why not do that, rather than put it down?

[mikebell]

5 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

You have not detailed anything humans are responsible for and more-so! The dogs in the OP seem quite happy and are not suffering, and if a suffering animal can be readily cured or it's condition alleviated, why not do that, rather than put it down?

Blimey, there's insufficient time/space to list all mankind's faults.  We are supposedly the highest form of life on this planet; we keep animals and slaughter them by the millions daily for food.  My grouse is about wasting resources on dangerous beasts that threaten us and our children. 

I cannot tell if the crippled dogs are happy with their lot; as they are penned up and not loose on the road their only threat to Man is through spreading disease. Their carers are volunteers so that's their choice.

[Orton Rd]

14 hours ago, ThaIrish Sean said:

I usually find that people who are kind to animals are kind of people.

I worry about some of the humans in this post.

 

I usually find the soppy dog and 'animal lovers' eat animals

Edited February 7, 2021 by Orton Rd

[Morch]

26 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

 

I usually find the soppy dog and 'animal lovers' eat animals

 

My dog eats animals too. And she's kinda soppy sometimes. Maybe something to it.

[ThaIrish Sean]

15 hours ago, oldhippy said:

Are you a vegetarian, or just an obsessed dog lover who likes to have power over dogs?

A personal attack? Yes I am a vegetarian.

[Eindhoven]

4 hours ago, mikebell said:

You have said nothing to refute any of my points about the irrelevance of most dogs in Thai society.  So apart from (subtly) suggesting I am psycho/socio-pathic your reply lacks the coherence you demand.

Do you accept dogs spread disease? Cause accidents? Are responsible for attacks on humans?  Deprive others of peace? Do you think crippled and suffering dogs should be kept alive?  It is possible to be positive by ridding society of a dangerous nuisance.

 

Okay...just this once.

 

Quote

Do you accept humans spread disease? Cause accidents? Are responsible for attacks on other humans?  Deprive others of peace? Do you think crippled and suffering humans should be kept alive?  It is possible to be positive by ridding society of a dangerous nuisance?

 

 

Just accept that we have different perspectives.