KILL ALL OF THESE RASCALLY DOGS
Back in the 1960s the Hong Kong government was paranoid about rabid dogs entering the colony from mainland China. Dogs had to be vaccinated with a tattoo in the ear as proof and also wear a licence disc on a collar as proof of ownership. Any dog found without one or both would be put down humanely. The only dogs seen in Hong Kong now are on the end of a leash being restrained by their owner who, by law, must clean up any mess left by their pet.
Now in Thailand we are faced with a rabies “epidemic”. The Soi Dog Foundation and other animal lovers claim the culling of stray dogs will not solve the problem but a programme of sterilisation and vaccination is the answer. The question I have is why must Thailand be home to over eight million dogs and what use are they to the people? I’ve lived here long enough to read horrific stories of dogs savaging old women to death and removing the faces of young children. Dogs seem to eat and sleep most of the day and spend the night scrapping among themselves and making sleep all but impossible. They defecate anywhere which, if accidentally ingested by children, can cause blindness.
If you’re an outdoor type, exploring temples and ancient ruins can be made uncomfortable with packs of resident dogs menacing you. It’s not fun being chased by a crazed dog while riding a bike either. Dogs scavenging for food upset garbage bins and make a mess. They lie around public areas, markets and restaurants barking and intimidating people. I find nothing redeeming about these creatures. It’s time Thailand got serious about tackling this matter. Vaccination, sterilisation and dog homes are expensive, time consuming and will not solve the immediate problem.
Culling of stray dogs will. Dog owners must also be responsible owners, vaccinate their pets and not dump them at the local temple when too expensive to feed. Dog breeders and dealers should be outlawed.
Perhaps Khun Premchai and his chums who apparently have no qualms about killing animals, could be sentenced to a few years travelling up and down the country eradicating the stray dog problem — and I’d be happy to join them!
Dog Meat Lover