Crime Villagers Alarmed as Over 20 Dogs and Cats Poisoned in Buriram

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Residents of Khok Tabak village, Chalerm Phra Kiat district, Buriram province, are living in fear after more than 20 dogs and cats were poisoned to death in recent weeks. Locals suspect someone has been deliberately lacing food with poison since July, though the motive remains unclear.

 

Some villagers believe the culprit may be irritated by dogs barking at passing vehicles, while others fear the poisonings could be part of a plan to kill guard animals before carrying out burglaries.

 

Suspicion has grown after residents captured images of a mysterious pickup truck driving through the village the night before several animals were found dead with foam around their mouths. However, no licence plate was visible and there is no clear evidence linking the vehicle to the crime.

 

Even the assistant village headman lost his own dog, and chickens also died after eating scraps suspected of being laced with poison.

 

“If our dogs or cats were causing trouble, the person should have spoken to us. Killing them in this cruel way is unacceptable,” said Mr Udon, the assistant village chief.

 

Many villagers, including elderly residents, are heartbroken. Mrs So-Ing, 72, said she once kept several dogs as companions and for protection, but most have now died. Her most recent dog was poisoned only days ago, while another remains critically ill.

 

“I’ve always shared what little I have, my state welfare allowance and elderly pension, to buy food for my dogs. I never let them go hungry. I don’t know why someone would do this,” she said.

 

Local councillor Mrs Chalao confirmed that reports of poisoned animals have been coming in steadily for two months. Residents have found pieces of fried chicken mixed with toxic substances left along village roads, suggesting the poison was scattered from a moving vehicle.

 

While villagers believe the perpetrator will ultimately face karmic consequences, they are urging authorities to investigate before more pets are lost. In the meantime, locals are organising community patrols to deter further attacks.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-08-26