THE CRUELTY PREVENTION AND WELFARE OF ANIMAL ACT, B.E. 2557 (2014) IS NOW IN ITS 3RD YEAR

The animal welfare bill was passed by The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on the Government Gazette 3 years ago, and been i n effect since 27 December 2014. For 3 years, the bill has been used to prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare by “enforcing the law and administration of justice”, resulting in over 200 cases petitioned throughout the country, 20 of which have resulted i n guilty verdicts by courts and imprisonment for the perpetrators. In 2018, t he Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Committee will pass more of t he subordinate legislation covering in animal welfare, animal transportation and animal utilization i n show business, the definition of ‘wildlife’ and imposition of fines on owners who abandon their animals without justification. All of these measures are aimed at creating a complete and effective application of the law that actually works, not just the one that’s “better than nothing”.

“RELEASING BIRDS, GOODNESS OR SIN?”

TSPCA has produced and screened a short film entitled “Releasing Birds, Goodness or Sin?” to raise awareness that the so-called ‘custom’ of releasing birds is an unholy and unlawful act. The fact is this particular desire for making merit gives way to an evil process of capturing birds, i ndirectly supporting the business that abuses and threatens the birds’ life and welfare. Moreover, some species of birds caught in the process are also classified as protected wildlife under the Wildlife Reservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2535, which prohibits them from being hunted, owned or traded. The TSPCA has also extended its conservation campaign to educational institutes and temples across the country, by creating a network that imparts accurate information to the public. In addition, the TSPCA has sought collaboration from the National Office of Buddhism and The Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand to promote and convey the correct message to Thai people making merit at temples, both in-country and overseas.