Phuket Opinion: Providing a safe haven for abandoned pets

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Providing a safe haven for abandoned pets
Phuket Gazette -

Dr Suchon Jittanon, 58, is a Krabi native. After earning a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Kasetsart University, he ran his own veterinary clinic in Bangkok until 1997. After that he moved to Phuket and opened another veterinary clinic, the Phuket Animal Hospital in Chalong.

Here, he talks about caring for abandoned pets and urges people to think carefully before becoming pet owners.

PHUKET: Fortunately, animal abandonment is not a big problem in Phuket. However, the number of abandoned pets on the island has increased recently. More and more people, both Thais and foreigners, bring cats or dogs to my hospital to ask us to find the animals a home.

In some cases, people find an animal on the street or at a temple and cannot keep it because their home is not appropriate for a pet, or they already have a pet and can’t handle another one.

Sometimes people bring their own animals to us because they don’t like them anymore, maybe because they’re old and therefore no longer cute.

Other times people bring their pets here because they are moving away to work in another province or are going back to their home countries.

My hospital is not big. There are times when we really don’t have the space for any more animals and we have to tell people we can’t accept their pets. But then they tell us that they are going to abandon them by the side of the road, and we just can’t let that happen, so we do our best to find a way to accept them and take care of them.

But it’s getting harder and harder for us to care for them all. In some cases, people bring sick abandoned animals to us. We care for them until they are well, then we have to ask the people who brought them to take them back or to find a home for them, because we can’t keep them.

The cost of food alone for abandoned cats and dogs we take in is almost 10,000 baht a month.

The best way to decrease the number of abandoned animals is for owners to think deeply before they get a pet. The decision to get an animal is not something to be taken lightly. An adorable puppy or a cute kitten can tug at our heartstrings but in the end, it will require a great investment of time and money for a great number of years.

The first thing to consider is place. You have to be sure that you have an appropriate place for your pet to live. Will your animal have enough space to run and play? Also, make sure that your dog or cat won’t annoy your neighbors if you live in a crowded neighborhood.

Second, think about the future. Keeping a pet is a long-term responsibility, not just something you do today and tomorrow. If you are originally from another province or another country and you plan to travel back to your hometown some day, ask yourself what you are going to do with your pet when that time comes. If you don’t have a plan besides leaving it on the street or at a temple, it’s better that you not get one.

Third, money does matter. Keeping a pet can cost a lot of money. First of all because it’s a long-term relationship, and then because as your pet gets older, it will eat more, and as it gets very old, it will likely require more care and medical treatment.

Last, think about how much time you have to offer your pet. Pets want love, care and “quality time” from their owners. If you doubt you can provide all this, then you are not ready to have a pet.

Anyone interested in adopting an abandoned cat or dog, or making a donation toward their care, can stop by the Phuket Animal Hospital or call 076-222362.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-Opinion-Providing-a-safe-haven-for-abandoned-pets-22244.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-09-15

[Siriam]

I know this doctor, he really loves animals and he is doing a lot for them from his own pockets, I also have a friend who contributes with a substantial amount of money... but they need help...

Edited September 15, 2013 by Siriam

[Steiner]

Euthanasia, problem solved!

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

[ikbenhet]

Euthanasia, problem solved!

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

Very nice person you are.

[Siriam]

Euthanasia, problem solved!

 

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

 

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

 

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

 

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

 

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

 

 

 

Very nice person you are.

Euthanasia, problem solved!

 

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

 

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

 

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

 

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

 

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

 

 

Euthanasia??? If they are not terminal or gravely sick or proven aggressive why you are talking about Euthanasia? You are a heartless creature my friend.

I had an accident myself coz a dog crossed my way while I was on my bike, it costed me money and pain but I don't blame the dog for this it's all humans responsibility, he supposed to be part of a family or under the good care of men like the doctor we are talking about.

I agree with you about criticizing police and most of the careless people... but why dogs must pay this with their lives, literally being murdered?

Financing or at least helping pets hospitals like this will avoid that such accidents, like the one involving your employee, take place again, also because all pets will be sterilized...

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 4

[maximillian]

Euthanasia, problem solved!

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

Very nice person you are.

Yes, very nice person he is. He seems to care more about people than annoying dogs.

Unlike you. I agree with him.

[Siriam]

 

Euthanasia, problem solved!

 

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

 

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

 

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

 

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

 

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

 

 

 

Very nice person you are.

 

Yes, very nice person he is. He seems to care more about people than annoying dogs.

Unlike you. I agree with him.

If people are like u 2 guys I do care more about dogs...

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 4

[annabel]

Euthanasia, problem solved!

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

Very nice person you are.

Euthanasia, problem solved!

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

Euthanasia??? If they are not terminal or gravely sick or proven aggressive why you are talking about Euthanasia? You are a heartless creature my friend.

I had an accident myself coz a dog crossed my way while I was on my bike, it costed me money and pain but I don't blame the dog for this it's all humans responsibility, he supposed to be part of a family or under the good care of men like the doctor we are talking about.

I agree with you about criticizing police and most of the careless people... but why dogs must pay this with their lives, literally being murdered?

Financing or at least helping pets hospitals like this will avoid that such accidents, like the one involving your employee, take place again, also because all pets will be sterilized...

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 4

Steiner... It is people like you who should be Euthanasized .... ! not defenseless animals who most like became agressive due to ill treatment from your types !

[annabel]

Euthanasia, problem solved!

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

Very nice person you are.

Yes, very nice person he is. He seems to care more about people than annoying dogs.

Unlike you. I agree with him.

Not at all surprised by your post based on all your other Humanly type posts regarding issues not only related to dogs . animals ... but just in general human issues altogether ... you guys belong together for sure and most probably do go out on your little hate everything binges .... Pfffffffffffffff!!!

[MacChine]

Euthanasia, problem solved!

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

Very nice person you are.

Yes, very nice person he is. He seems to care more about people than annoying dogs.

Unlike you. I agree with him.

Me three. Some of those dogs are lying in the road for a reason. SQUISH... HINT : don't hit the skull though, it'll might knock your alignment out

It's not called a dogs life fer nuthi'n, ya know.

Besides they stink, won't bathe, have doogy breath, roll in sh*t and even eat it on occasion . Yech!! Cats are so superior in every single way

Meow !!

[Siriam]

 

 

Euthanasia, problem solved!

 

The numbers of soi dogs in this country are ridiculous.

There are three large packs close to where I live in Bangkok, people come and feed them every day, they are dangerous, they have bitten people, bark often and attack anyone who tries to walk a dog that is properly cared for.

 

The do-gooders arrive every night, THREE separate lots of them on scooters about an hour apart, I asked them to simply take the dogs home and keep them there for feeding as they were attacking people (they don't bite the hand that feeds them obviously) that went down well, reactions ranged from me being invisible to screaming.

 

Two of my Thai staff have been bitten within the last year by other packs of soi dogs, one 4 times on one leg in one attack and the bites were not nips, proper locked in bites, she will carry scars for life.

Was anything done? Nope, police don't care, Thai's don't care, do-gooders carry on feeding them.

 

I know in the UK dog attacks make the papers and the dogs are promptly euthanaised, pet or not, as it should be.

 

I would like to know the figures for dog attacks and deaths here in Thailand, must be incredible.

 

 

 

Very nice person you are.

 

Yes, very nice person he is. He seems to care more about people than annoying dogs.

Unlike you. I agree with him.

 

 

Me three.  Some of those dogs are lying in the road for a reason.   SQUISH...  HINT : don't hit the skull though, it'll might knock your alignment out

It's not called a dogs life fer nuthi'n, ya know.

 

  Besides they stink,  won't bathe, have doogy breath, roll in  sh*t and even eat it on occasion . Yech!!  Cats are so superior in every single way

 

 Meow !!

 

Live by the sword die by the sword

Who knows who will get squashed on the road first!

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