Animal protection associations are reporting new cases of poisoning on Ban Tai beach, where several dogs have died and others have been hospitalised, amid recurring incidents since 2022.
Chunks of chicken containing poison have been discovered along the shoreline, according to reports shared by local animal protection pages. The veterinary clinic « Phangan Hug Satt Animal Clinic » in Thong Sala said it had treated several poisoned dogs on the day of the incidents.
Residents are urged to keep their animals on a lead, prevent them from rummaging through waste, and consult a vet immediately if symptoms such as bleeding, vomiting, lethargy or paralysis appear.
Testimonies and screenshots show that similar incidents have been recurring on this stretch of coast since at least 2022. Residents estimate that more than fifty dogs have perished in this way over the years, although this figure has not been independently verified.
Numerous reports have been filed with the police over the past few years. In at least one case, residents engaged a lawyer, without any suspect being identified or prosecuted to date.
Under Thailand’s 2014 law on the prevention of animal cruelty, deliberate poisoning constitutes an offence punishable by two years in prison and a fine of up to 40,000 baht. When the animal belongs to an owner, the acts may also be classified as wilful damage, punishable by three years’ imprisonment.
The organisations Watch Dog Thailand and the Soi Dog Foundation have offered their support to the affected community.