BANGKOK, Thailand — An abandoned dog sits in a cage at the Pata Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, on March 4, 2023. The number of abandoned and stray animals has spiked in Thailand since the start of the pandemic, with zoos and shelters struggling to cope. (Photo by AP/Sakchai Lalit).
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on animal welfare in Thailand, with the number of abandoned and stray animals spiking since the start of the outbreak. Zoos and shelters are struggling to cope with the influx of unwanted pets, and many are forced to turn away animals due to lack of space and resources..
The problem is particularly acute in Bangkok, where the number of abandoned animals has increased by more than 50% since the start of the pandemic. Many of these animals are former pets that have been abandoned by their owners due to financial hardship or other reasons..
The situation is so dire that some zoos and shelters are being forced to euthanize animals due to lack of space and resources. The Pata Zoo in Chonburi, for example, has been forced to euthanize over 100 animals in the past year, including dogs, cats, and monkeys..
The spike in abandoned animals is putting a strain on Thailand’s animal welfare system. Many zoos and shelters are operating at capacity, and some are even being forced to close their doors. The government is struggling to provide support to these organizations, and many are relying on donations from the public..
Animal welfare advocates are calling on the government to do more to address the problem of abandoned animals. They are urging the government to increase funding for animal care organizations, and to implement stricter laws against animal abandonment..
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on animal welfare in Thailand. The number of abandoned and stray animals has spiked, and zoos and shelters are struggling to cope. The government must do more to address this problem, and to ensure that all animals have a safe and humane place to live..
Here are some tips for helping abandoned animals:.
* Adopt a pet from a local shelter or rescue organization..
* Donate to animal welfare organizations..
* Volunteer your time at a local shelter or rescue organization..
* Spread the word about the problem of pet abandonment..
* Report any cases of animal abandonment to the authorities..
