Earlier today, the Thai Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) finally moved 500 stray dogs a temple in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pahan district, to a new home.
These dogs are now free to roam on a 4-rai plot of land, just 100 meters from their old home at Tanod temple, reports Thai PBS.
The move came after the temple’s abbot came forward to say that he was no longer able to afford to care for all the abandoned dogs.
According to the abbot, feeding and caring for the stray dogs cost them temple THB30,000 a month. Apart from that, there are additional costs for vaccination and sterilization.
Another temple in the northern Thai province of Phayao is also feeling the string from the stray dog issue. Pongpat Kattaphan, a livestock officer, reported that a recent survey of Phayao’s stray dog population revealed that there are 3000 stray or abandoned dogs in the area.
Pongpat added that the provincial administration may decide upon a much-needed special care center for the dogs.
Stricter rules and regulations on pet abandonment are to be issued by the local administration. There are now warning signs in the temple informing visitors that pet abandonment could result in a THB40,000 fine.
