Report Bangkok Sets New Pet Ownership Rules to Curb Stray Animal Crisis

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a decisive move to address the burgeoning stray animal population, Bangkok will soon introduce a sweeping set of regulations under the BMA Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control 2024. This comprehensive legislation, effective from 10th January next year, signals a concerted effort to manage and minimise stray dogs and cats within the city while encouraging responsible pet ownership.

 

At the heart of these new rules is an emphasis on accountability for pet owners. All animals must be microchipped and registered with the authorities within 120 days of birth or 30 days following adoption. Pet owners will need to submit an array of documentation, including personal identification, proof of residence, and rabies or sterilisation certificates. These requirements are designed to create a robust system of identification and track the city’s pet population better.

 

Additionally, the ordinance outlines strict guidelines for keeping dogs in public spaces: they must be leashed and wear ID tags. Certain breeds, known for strength or aggression—like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers—are subject to even tighter restrictions, demanding muzzling and necessitating handlers aged between 10 to 65 to ensure safe management in public.

 

The ordinance also imposes a cap on the number of animals per household, ranging from one animal in compact condominiums (20 to 80 square metres) to six on more extensive properties. Notably, current proprietors exceeding these limits can retain their animals, provided they duly register them within the stipulated timeframe.

 

Concerns linger about public awareness and the practicalities of enforcing these rules. Local residents, such as Thong Lor's Puchatr Guna-Tilaka, have expressed apprehension regarding information dissemination. Guna-Tilaka suggests increasing efforts to communicate with pet owners directly through community channels like markets, parks, and temples to ensure widespread understanding and support.

 

Moreover, BMA Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej has reiterated that the new legislation will not be retroactive, allowing existing pet owners to meet these new expectations without undue burden. She emphasizes the importance of responsible pet care, advocating for regular vaccinations and neutering to control the population further.

 

The challenges of Bangkok's rapidly increasing cat population—exacerbated in part by the lifestyle changes prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic—are also addressed. Cats, capable of producing litters multiple times a year, are viewed as a critical focus alongside dogs in reducing strays.

 

In response to these challenges, the BMA plans to deploy mobile clinics and partner with veterinary groups to maximise reach and ensure understanding for all pet owners, facilitating compliance. Such initiatives will allow easy access to microchipping and health services, driving a culture of responsibility.

 

Local animal welfare advocates have offered mixed reactions. Roger Lohnardt of the Thai Animal Guardians Association acknowledges the ordinance's ambition but points out potential loopholes, such as lack of stringent regulation on breeding and commercial pet sales. Meanwhile, Dayin Petcharat, founder of SOS Animal Thailand Foundation, sees this legislation as a significant step forward, especially if implemented with precision and support from mobile microchipping teams and alignment with broader breeder licensing laws.

 

This law aims to enhance public health by reducing diseases spread by strays and fostering a sense of responsibility among pet owners. The ordinance’s success relies heavily on broad public cooperation and sustained efforts from the city’s authorities to offer continuous education and resources.

 

Implemented with care and societal involvement, these measures promise a pivotal transformation in animal welfare standards in Bangkok, potentially setting a benchmark for other cities grappling with similar issues.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-06

 

 

[roo860]

Rules, regulations in Thailand? Now that's a joke 🤔

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a decisive move to address the burgeoning stray animal population, Bangkok will soon introduce a sweeping set of regulations under the BMA Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control 2024. This comprehensive legislation, effective from 10th January next year, signals a concerted effort to manage and minimise stray dogs and cats within the city while encouraging responsible pet ownership.

Best of luck with that.

[Johno57]

Dangerous breeds should be totally banned as they will still get loose and kill...

[jcmj]

Wish them luck and please come try this out in Pattaya. I’ve got 12 strays a a mamma with a litter of 6 just born. They definitely need to do something. Spay and neuter once every 4-5 years won’t cut it. 

[Jenkins9039]

More big state control.

[CygnusX1]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Certain breeds, known for strength or aggression—like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers—are subject to even tighter restrictions, demanding muzzling and necessitating handlers aged between 10 to 65 to ensure safe management in public.

It’s a bit humiliating that at age 67 I’m considered incapable of controlling a dangerous dog, unlike a 10 year child.

 

More seriously, strict enforcement of compulsory (and I hope free) rabies shots for dogs is essential.

[OneManShow]

Perhaps Bangkok only 

[Briggsy]

Nice try, won't work.

1. Patchy enforcement.

2. Won't enforce against anybody who seems remotely affluent or connected.

3. Not addressing the root of the problem. The problem is stray dogs and cats.

4. Unwillingness to put strays to sleep when they are sick, dangerous or unwanted.

5. Unwillingness to put the resources into rounding up strays, sterilising them or putting them to sleep.

6. Unwillingness to go after the traders and breeders of dangerous breeds.

[steven100]

oh goody  '     and does that mean they'll get rid of every filthy soi dog ?  ....  no'   I didn't think sooooooo     !!

[G Rex]

This would be fantastic if it actually happens!

[thesetat]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This law aims to enhance public health by reducing diseases spread by strays and fostering a sense of responsibility among pet owners. The ordinance’s success relies heavily on broad public cooperation and sustained efforts from the city’s authorities to offer continuous education and resources.

 

Implemented with care and societal involvement, these measures promise a pivotal transformation in animal welfare standards in Bangkok, potentially setting a benchmark for other cities grappling with similar issues.

What a load of rubbish. This has nothing to do with the ever growing population of animals whose owners only claim them with food and water but allow them to run free in packs to breed. These new laws are only meant to make law abiding citizens pay more to keep their animals indoors and even restricting them to how many they can have. 

[digger70]

Bangkok Sets New Pet Ownership Rules to Curb Stray Animal Crisis 

 

Great , and what is going to happen when many people find it to expensive to register and chip their Pet?

Out they go on the street ,Create a bigger soi dog/cat problem that the Govment  DON'T Fix.

Just shows how stupid their ideas are.   😞

[proton]

2 hours ago, jcmj said:

Wish them luck and please come try this out in Pattaya. I’ve got 12 strays a a mamma with a litter of 6 just born. They definitely need to do something. Spay and neuter once every 4-5 years won’t cut it. 

 

But a bullet in the head will

[harryviking]

There should be strickt laws about keeping dogs bigger than 5 kilos! Most people do NOT need the "killer dogs" that maim and kill people every year. And do not come with that lame excuse: It is the owners fault! Most people do NOT know how to handle and treat a dog at all. So just ban them! 

[SchuetzRob]

3 hours ago, Johno57 said:

Dangerous breeds should be totally banned as they will still get loose and kill...

Does not bode well for mankind.... 

[Burma Bill]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

signals a concerted effort to manage and minimise stray dogs

 

Bring in Vietnamese dog farmers!!

[PETERTHEEATER]

3 hours ago, G Rex said:

This would be fantastic if it actually happens!

It is already fantastic. Existing only in fantasy. 😀

[richard_smith237]

More daft regulations which 'could' be kept sensible, yet they go so far as to become completely impractical. 

 

1) How does anyone know by looking at it if a dog is chipped ???

 

Make it simple / stupid.

1) All Dogs & Cats by Law have to have a Collar stating Owners Name and Address.

2) Any Dog & Cat found on the street without a collar will be removed by authorities.

3) And Dog found on the Street with a collar - the dog will be impounded and the owner fined.

4) Dangerous Dogs (on established lists as the west) found on the street (with or without a collar) will be removed by authorities and owners fined.

 

 

There is no need for 'chipping' - this brings in extra cost for owners, extra difficulty for authorities identifying animals (they'll need a reader).

 

In short - This policy, like many, is meant well, but trips over itself with complexity when simplicity is so much easier.

 

------------------

 

Anyway - thats the opinion, no the reality - just like every other announcement, this is nothing other than hot air.

Like every other announcement over the past 20 years or so, not one thing will change.

 

[Johno57]

4 hours ago, Briggsy said:

Nice try, won't work.

1. Patchy enforcement.

2. Won't enforce against anybody who seems remotely affluent or connected.

3. Not addressing the root of the problem. The problem is stray dogs and cats.

4. Unwillingness to put strays to sleep when they are sick, dangerous or unwanted.

5. Unwillingness to put the resources into rounding up strays, sterilising them or putting them to sleep.

6. Unwillingness to go after the traders and breeders of dangerous breeds.

Exactly correct and when people can no longer keep their cats & dogs they will let them go wild in the country creating bigger problems..

[sanabavy IV]

Of course they're spot on, problem solved; how come they couldn't have thought of that before? 😆