Millions of dogs, dogs and strays alike, have been abducted to feed the hungry trade for their meat.
And it’s not just that whole “man’s best friend” thing that’s upsetting – the dogs are often tortured, then skinned alive to satisfy some brutal belief that pain makes for tastier pooch-flesh.
Fighting the dogmeat trade has also been framed as a public health issue, with Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam agreeing to better enforcement in August to combat the spread of rabies.
The smuggler’s lives have been made more difficult by Thai enforcement efforts and interdiction, aided by private efforts, according to the Phuket-based Soi Dog Foundation, which has partnered with the Department of Livestock Development to erect 10 shelters for 5,000 rescued would-be-dinner dogs on government land in Buri Ram province.
The foundations’ own shelters have about hit their 400-animal capacity, so the livestock agency has proposed designs for 10 shelters covering 1,500sqm, each able to house 500 of the friendly, furry beasts. They will include weather shelter and a staff veterinarian to provide care.
The Livestock Department, which is charged under Thai law with handling the rescued dogs, does not have a budget for completing the shelters, which are being assembled by Soi Dog Foundation as funds come in.
Six shelters have been paid for, and as each one is completed, Thai authorities transport 500 dogs for housing within.
“Then every dog rescued from the meat trade who is in a government livestock center can be moved to Buriram,” said Gregg Tully, foundation deputy CEO.
For more information, visit the Soi Dog Foundation online.
Photos: Soi Dog Foundation
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