The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has raised concerns about escalating conflicts between neighbours caused by dogs and cats allowed to roam free, warning pet owners to take greater responsibility or face legal consequences.
Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, deputy RTP spokesperson, said Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, the national police chief, is concerned about disputes stemming from pets straying into neighbouring properties and causing damage. In some cases, such conflicts have led to violence and animal cruelty, a criminal offence.
Injuring, maiming, or killing an animal without reasonable cause violates the Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act B.E. 2557 (2014) with penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.
If the animal has an owner, offenders may also face charges for property damage under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.
If a pet is attacked by another animal or property is damaged, victims should report the matter to the police or local administrative authorities to facilitate mediation or pursue civil compensation. Taking matters into one’s own hands could result in criminal charges.
Owners are legally obligated to provide proper animal welfare and prevent pets from causing harm or nuisance. Negligence may violate Section 23 of the Animal Welfare Act, punishable by a fine of up to 40,000 baht, in addition to full civil liability for damages to life, body, or property.
Members of the public who witness animal cruelty or suffer harm from neglected pets can file complaints at local police stations or call the hotlines at 191 or 1599.
Meanwhile, the government has warned the public not to butcher animals that fall ill or die unexpectedly after one rabies-related death was confirmed this year.
Airin Phanrit, deputy government spokesperson, said the nation has recorded rabies infections in animals, particularly in the eastern, northeastern, and southern regions. According to the Public Health Ministry, surveillance data from the Department of Disease Control shows one fatal human case in Rayong this year.
Between Jan 1 and Feb 20, authorities detected rabies in 50 animals out of 532 samples collected nationwide across 77 provinces, with dogs accounting for the highest number of infections. Officials warned infected animals could transmit the virus to household pets. People who butcher infected cattle or buffalo that die of unknown causes, or consume raw meat from such animals, risk contracting rabies. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Source: Bangkok Post