Culling stray dogs and cats is gaining serious traction in Thai society as the rabies outbreak continues.
Several key social media sites were full of comment from Thais calling for what is being termed the final solution or “Set Zero” in the Thai language.
People are fed up with animals coming first and humans second.
They said that comment was rife on sites such as “Drama-Addict” and “Sombat Bunngam Anong” that culling should happen.
Many people did not think that all stray animals should be killed – but plenty of strays warranted that fate to protect people from infection by the deadly disease. Government agencies and those in the private sector must come to a culling compromise.
But the majority are in agreement that some form of cull is well overdue.
Many just said that the job needed to be done, so long as there was no unnecessary cruelty.
People were also calling on those who feed and water the strays – then just go home and leave them to bite people – to stop doing that.
It was not making merit but exacerbating the situation.
Such comments indicate severe public concern amid the rabies outbreak that is a departure from Buddhist laissez-faire regarding the situation of strays in Thailand.
Several people have died from rabies this year as infected animals have been found in more than 50 provinces.
Times comment:- Obviously, this is an emotive subject and a difficult one to deal with. I have been involved with keeping a wide variety of animals from a very early age and I have a deep love of nature.
Indeed, I almost didn’t come to live in Thailand because of my two beautiful cats, Eric and Ernie. Only when I managed to find the perfect home for them was I able to leave them, albeit with a very heavy heart.
It is not just the rabies issue that needs to be considered. Myself and a large number of other people do not feel safe walking the streets in some areas,particularly at night. I have seen dogs form a pack and turn on another dog. It was horrific.
They are a danger to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Then there is the well-being of the dogs themselves to consider. They are flea-infested, riddled with worms and undernourished. Their quality of life is appalling and it would be a kindness to end their suffering. Something has to be done and I also find it surprising that little interest has been shown in articles about the dangers of rabies.
It is a dreadful disease and just to reiterate, once symptoms appear, death IS certain.
The solution and how to implement it is far from simple but this problem must be addressed.
(Source:-Sanook)