Do They Eat Dogs in Thailand? (Thai Dog Laws)

It’s a bit of a culture shock the first time you visit Thailand and see stray dogs wandering the streets everywhere. Take a walk down the street in any Thai city and you’ll see dogs sleeping, panting in the heat, or begging for food.

It is illegal to trade or consume dog meat in Thailand under the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act, B.E. 2557 (2014). Consumption of dog meat remains popular in Vietnam, South Korea, and China.

There is still illegal trade that occurs as dogs in Thailand, specifically the Northeastern provinces such as Sakon Nakhon, are rounded up and sent to Vietnam and other neighboring countries where consumption is legal.

Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act, B.E. 2557

Written into law after outcry from animal rights activists, the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act protects pets, animals used for work, performing show animals, or animals of any kind from being neglected, tortured, or transported in a cruel manner. Also included is the consumption and trading of cat and dog meats.

Offenses are punishable by a maximum two years in prison and/or a fine of ฿40,000 Baht ($1,663 USD).

There is no “Humane Society” in Thailand and common practice is to dump unwanted pets at temples where stray packs roam today. Under the 2014 law, it is now illegal to do so, however, this is not heavily enforced as monks will care for the stray animals. People are encouraged to drop unwanted pets at animal welfare organizations who are working to raise funds and manage the issue.

*shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Dog Meat Mafia

Why is eating dog meat popular? Some men around the globe, particularly in Vietnam, South Korea, and China, believe dog meat makes them more potent.

As the demand is steady for dog meat in these nations where it is still legal, organized criminal enterprises in neighboring countries, such as Thailand, continue to help satisfy demand.

Dog-snatchers prowl throughout Thailand looking for healthy dogs to steal from owners or pick up stray dogs from street corners. Up to 1,500 dogs at a time are crammed into cages and packed onto trucks that are taken up the jungles of Northeastern Thailand where they are beaten, skinned, boiled, and prepared for shipment to neighboring countries.

The dog meat industry is estimated to be worth over $20 million USD annually as dishes in Vietnam and South Korea often sell for upwards of $30 USD. High profitability has attracted criminal organizations that are involved in other illicit activities and are experienced professional smugglers.

What is Being Done to Fight the Dog Meat Trade in Thailand?

Smuggling dog meat across international borders has become more difficult recently as anti-rabies agreements between Southeast Asian nations have brought tougher penalties and stricter border regulations while the smuggling of live dogs has drastically decreased. However, bribery at border checkpoints is common and remains a problem.

British charity Soi Dog Foundation began operating in Thailand in 2003 and has made progress regarding animal rights and opposition to the dog meat trade. Not only have they successfully lobbied to enact the 2014 Cruelty Prevention Law, they have worked with law enforcement to root out criminal organizations and save the lives of thousands of dogs.

While the dog meat trade has been around in Thailand for a very long time, it is being severely impacted by the work of animal rights activists who are focusing their attention towards the illegal camps in the jungles of Northeastern Thailand.

As operations have saved the lives of thousands of dogs, there is an ongoing funding issue for shelters that do not receive funding from the government and have no facilities to handle massive rescue operations. As thousands of dogs are rescued, they often end up back on the streets or dying in captivity to disease or malnutrition.

If you are interested in further information or wanting to help fight the illegal dog meat trade in Thailand, visit the Soi Dog Foundation site here.

Animal Welfare Organizations in Thailand (Safe Web Links Included)

National Organizations

Local Organizations

Soi Dog Foundation (Bangkok)
Thai Animal Guardians Association (Bangkok)
Care for Dogs (Chiang Mai)
PhaNgan Animal Care ( Ko Pha-Ngan)
Phuket Animal Welfare Society (Phuket)
Soi Dog Foundation (Phuket)
Atigaro Project (Phuket)
Dog Rescue Center Samui (Ko Samui)