Over 700 stray dogs are facing starvation at a landfill in Chachoengsao province, prompting concerns about a potential rabies outbreak as temperatures rise. The situation has drawn attention from local residents, who are urging government intervention to address the growing crisis.
On January 28, reporters visited the landfill in the Mueang Hua Samrong area of Plang Yao district, a remote location surrounded by forests and accessible only by dirt roads. There, they found groups of 20 to 30 dogs, many emaciated and fearful. Several dogs retreated into the grass for cover, while numerous carcasses, likely victims of disease and malnutrition, littered the area.
Pavannapat, a 49-year-old local, has been providing food and water to the strays for the past year at her own expense, spending approximately 1,500 baht (US$45) on each visit. Despite her efforts, the growing population of dogs has overwhelmed her ability to manage the situation.
As the rainy season approached, Pavannapat set up tarps to shelter the dogs, but with the hot season now imminent, she is increasingly concerned about the risk of rabies spreading among the animals and potentially to nearby communities. She has called on the government to take immediate action to address the problem, warning that if left unchecked, the situation could escalate into a public health crisis. Local authorities have yet to respond to her appeals, leaving the community anxious about the escalating threat.
