Out of the meat trade, into agony

A British journalist working on a documentary investigation into what happens to animals that are supposedly freed from those involved in the illicit business finds that in three out of four cases a Vietnamese dinner plate is exchanged for a Thai grave

Published: 21 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Spectrum

Photos taken immediately following a raid on a canine meat traders' compound in Sakhon Nakhon province in January show dogs seemingly relieved to have escaped from the tiny cages into which they had been crammed. Wide-eyed puppies can be seen among well-groomed dogs with collars _ which, along with their ease among volunteer workers, suggests many of the animals supplying the illicit trade were people's pets.

Some of these images feature in the first few minutes of a documentary that is currently running in instalments as part of a web series on YouTube, Dogs of Thailand, by John Keeble, a former Fleet Street journalist with more than 50 years in the business.

Keeble has been coming to Thailand since 1975 and has lived here for six years.

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dao
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Discussion 9 : 21 Oct 2012 at 10.339
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BMA hasnt done much about the dog problem except offer microchips which isnt really a solution .These dogs multiply quickly when allowed to have puppies unchecked .Spaying and neutering at temples should be compulsory for vets in training .This reduce the numbers and the urge for dog traders to continue this sad business .
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dickemery
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Discussion 8 : 21 Oct 2012 at 10.008
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l thought budhism was to treat all creature great or some with dignity ?
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drsmith
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Discussion 7 : 21 Oct 2012 at 09.497
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Once again Thailand bows to the international shame that has become their modus operandum to make money through any means including animal cruelty. Nothing is sacred in Thailand except money. John Keeble needs to be commended for bringing this story to light. What ever happened to the peace loving Bddhists of Thailand? Swallowed up in greed, corruption and materialism to the point nothing is sacred.
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Renaissance
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Discussion 6 : 21 Oct 2012 at 09.456
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It might help if the penalty for the crime of transporting and selling the dogs were made extremely severe, such as 10-20 years in prison with a massive fine.
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nowayout
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Discussion 5 : 21 Oct 2012 at 09.145
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I can take a picture of my pet hamster and it has the same cute feel sorry looking eyes.
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kena
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Discussion 4 : 21 Oct 2012 at 08.264
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The issue of dogs is a many-faceted problem in Thailand. There are soooooo many fixes that need to be implemented, or at least started. There are no dog shelters, no neuter programs. Thais don't know how to take care of dogs. It's a nationwide mess, and the article is just one way it manifests.
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andyofsiam
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Discussion 3 : 21 Oct 2012 at 08.183
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If the photos of these poor dogs in cramped cages are the ones who have been "saved", it beggars belief the conditions of those who are not "saved"!

And how about an investigation into the thousands of dogs seized last year on route to Vietnam, for which millions were donated to the rescue centre - how many of those now remain there, and has the money donated been accounted for?!
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buster
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Discussion 2 : 21 Oct 2012 at 08.172
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It( this investigation..) might reflect a hidden personality disorder on a grand scale in this country.
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johnbegood
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Discussion 1 : 21 Oct 2012 at 06.341
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It does make one nauserous to think a human can lower themselves to steal peoples pets for monetary gain.
The images we all saw from the floods of people carrying pets on their backs & shoulders to safety was inspiring to say the least.
Then on the other side we have these low life ilerates stealing from fellow humans their beloved pets.
The photo's captured of these dogs is very disturbing, especially the one of the 2 dogs together.
The eyes show the despair of these poor creatures.
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