Animal welfare groups in Thailand are offering a 40,000-baht reward (about RM5,000) for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the suspected poisoning of 13 animals at a temple in Songkhla province.
The incident involved 12 dogs and one cat at Wat Kanjanawas in Chana district. The animal welfare organisation The Hope Songkhla is working with police, livestock officials and volunteers to investigate the deaths.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspected perpetrator and pursue legal action under Thailand’s Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act 2014.
With permission from the temple’s abbot, officials are also planning to put up three signs warning against animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, Chana Subdistrict Municipality has been asked to deploy water trucks to clean areas suspected of being contaminated by animal vomit, reducing the risk of other animals coming into contact with the toxins.
A dog’s body has been sent to the Veterinary Hospital at Prince of Songkla University for detailed toxicology testing, with results expected within three weeks.
Chicken bone fragments found at the scene have also been handed to police for toxicology analysis. The testing follows reports of numerous bird deaths in the surrounding area.
Animal welfare groups said the 40,000-baht reward would be given for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential.
