Volunteer Groups Work To Help Bangkok's 200,000 Stray Dogs

[Thaising]

Close to 200,000 stray dogs roam the streets of the Thai capital Bangkok, some posing a danger to motorists.

Many of the canines are in a sorry state, a situation several volunteer organisations hope to change.

The canines are called "soi" dogs after the Thai word for street and most lead miserable lives.

Bangkok's stray dog population exploded because many residents abandon their pets at temples like Wat Ban Chalhong, located 30 minutes from the city centre.

Pym Israngkura, Project Manager, Canine Immunisation and Neutering Programme, Dog Chance, said:

"They don't believe in neutering. They just think it costs too much and when they become ill...they just can't be bothered."

Dog Chance and other non-profit groups like Soi Dog Rescue are spreading the message of responsible pet ownership.

Organisations like Soi Dog Rescue (SDR) seek to educate the community about the negative aspects of having stray dogs running wild.

There are SDR workers who are feeding dogs at temples as well as giving them medicine to help them with skin conditions to help them live healthier, happier lives.

The medicines protect the canines against parasites like heartworm and ear mites.

Sheridan Conisbee, President, SDR, said: "Reduce the numbers, less dog fights, less bites, less road traffic accidents, because mating males run all over the road, they get killed but they cause human deaths."

Canine lovers hope the Thai government will start a rabies vaccination programme for stray dogs.

They also stress the importance of teaching Thais to treat animals with respect from a young age to ensure that future generations of man's best friend will not suffer the pains of being unwanted and unhealthy.

IndoChina Correspondent Anasuya Sanyal | Posted: 27 August 2006 1041 hrs