Updates On 17th Dec 2012

KHEMMARAT THE CURRENT SITUATION.
Following numerous postings on facebook, Soi Dog Foundation would like to clarify the current situation at Khemmarat Livestock center which is housing approximately 1300 dogs rescued from dog meat traders.
SDF are investing considerable time and money in helping these dogs. At a meetings at Khemmarat and Buriram, SDF architect Khun Pakhin (left on photo) and Khun Toom met with the local management and Dr. Burin Sorasithsuksakul DVM Director; Division of quarantine and animal movement, who has overall responsibility for all the livestock centers in Thailand. It was agreed by all concerned that the major current issue there is overcrowding. It is felt that the maximum number of dogs that could be housed at Khemmarat is 800 and and the center is not suitable for expansion owing to its proximity to residential areas, water supply etc..
The water supply is currently insufficient for the center and the waste disposal needs radical upgrading. Khun Pakhin has drawn up plans as to what is required but unfortunately it is impossible to carry out these improvements whilst so many dogs are there as the heavy machinery, concrete and other chemicals needed make it impossible to carry out this work until dogs are moved out.
The highest priority therefore is to build new accommodation at a site in Buriram initially to house 500 dogs. (Photo taken on site). Preparation of the site is underway and Khun Pakhin is finalising the drawings which are based on the model of SDF’s shelter in Phuket. The site is ideal for building a shelter and has space for expansion. Dr. Burin is seeking finance from the Government and SDF will also be looking to raise funds to assist in this project.
The number of staff at Khemmarat has been increased and the condition of the majority of the dogs is good. However fights are inevitable owing to the overcrowding. All dogs have been vaccinated and treated by staff with ivomectin. SDF have provided vaccine and other drugs and sterilized the dogs. Independent volunteers who have no connection with SDF are also giving further ivomec injections which are needed regularly to control ticks, and are raising funds apparently for another hospital though the current one is large, and in SDF opinion funds should be spent on improving it and supplying additional veterinary care. The local staff are also spraying the area to kill ticks which are a major hazard to the dogs. The manager reports that the food supplied by SDF is of very high quality and is enjoyed by the dogs. They have ceased to use chicken carcasses and suggestions by some that tinned food be used is both impractical and would lead to further fighting. Tinned food should only be used to feed sick dogs in the shelter’s hospital.
Owing to Thai culture euthanising dogs which has been suggested by many is not an option.”

Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=469259316449142&set=a.137025779672499.11141.108625789179165&type=1&relevant_count=1

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Soi Dog Foundation

Established in 2003 in Phuket, Thailand, Soi Dog is Southeast Asia's largest organisation helping stray animals. The Gill Dalley sanctuary in Phuket is home to over 1,600 animals. Soi Dog also has a treatment facility in Bangkok and responds to crisis situations throughout Thailand. The organisation is dedicated to implementing effective, sustainable solutions that reduce the suffering of dogs and cats in Asia, runs entirely on donations and works efficiently so all donations are used to help animals as effectively as possible.

The foundation is a registered not-for-profit organisation in Thailand, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, France and Holland. It has a maximum 4-star rating with Charity Navigator, the largest and most-utilised independent non-profit evaluator in the United States, a platinum seal of transparency from Candid, the world’s largest source of non-profit information, a Top Rated award from Greatnonprofits and the Travelers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor.

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