The tragic case of an elderly woman who was killed by a neighbor’s pit bull in Pathum Thani has reignited discussions on dog control in Thailand. This 67-year-old victim was attacked while riding her bicycle past her neighbor’s house, ultimately succumbing to her injuries in the hospital. Found in a pool of blood, she had multiple bite marks, with her right leg nearly severed.
This incident is part of a concerning trend, as several fatal attacks involving aggressive dog breeds have occurred throughout the country this year. In July, a 70-year-old man in Khon Kaen was also killed by his neighbor’s pit bulls while biking, suffering severe injuries to his face and head. Just last month, a young man in Lop Buri was mauled to death by a pack of pit bulls belonging to his brother. Security footage captured him being chased back down the stairs, where he was later found dead.
In response to the alarming rise in aggressive dog attacks, the Department of Livestock Development has enforced a ban on importing four dangerous dog breeds: American pit bull terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Fila Brasileiros, since 2005. Violators face fines of 5,000 baht and confiscation of the dogs. Despite this, these breeds are still prevalent due to the legality of ownership.
Understanding the Breeds
According to the owner of TNT Kennel Thailand in Nakhon Pathom, pit bulls are highly sought after for their reputation as strong and aggressive guard dogs. While he claims that these dogs can be family-friendly, their tendency to display dominance towards strangers is a concern. He notes that many pit bulls in the market are not purebred, which may increase aggressive tendencies.
The kennel owner has shifted from breeding true pit bulls to American bullies, which are specifically bred to be gentler and more sociable. He emphasizes the importance of proper care and understanding of dog behavior, asserting that aggressive tendencies can be mitigated with proper training and supervision.
Veterinarian Kaset Sutasha from Kasetsart University Animal Hospital agrees, stating that 70% of a dog’s behavior is influenced by its upbringing and care. He emphasizes that a dog’s instinctual traits can lead to aggression if not properly managed. “The dog is not a wrongdoer, but the owner,” he remarks, stressing that confinement and lack of exercise can lead to increased stress and aggression in dogs.
Call for Action
As fatal dog attacks become more frequent, experts like Kaset are calling for stricter enforcement of laws surrounding aggressive dog breeds. He advocates for population control through neutering and spaying, as well as the need for ownership registration and microchip identification.
The Thai Animal Guardians Association has been pushing for comprehensive legislation to regulate dangerous dogs, regardless of breed. The Department of Livestock Development is currently drafting a bill to address these concerns. This proposed legislation will aim to establish regulations for dog owners, ensuring proper living conditions, treatment, and training requirements to prevent aggressive behavior.
The bill is modeled after the Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare Act and aims to include measures such as mandatory training for dangerous dog owners, warning signage, and requirements for leashing and muzzling. Additionally, restrictions may be placed on individuals under 15 or over 65 years old from taking dangerous dogs out in public.
Roger Lohanan, secretary-general of the Thai Animal Guardians Association, emphasizes that dogs must not be subjected to unnecessary stress or pain. The proposed penalties for non-compliance with the new regulations will range from 10,000 to 40,000 baht, with hopes for implementation by the end of the year.
The Department of Livestock Development is also studying further measures to prevent future dog attacks, highlighting the urgency of the situation as public safety concerns continue to mount.
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