NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: Five starving pets - three cats and a pair of dogs - have been found at a house abandoned by the owner after it was seized more than two months ago by a bank and put up for auction.
Two dead cats were also found in cages there when livestock and public health officials inspected the two-storey townhouse in tambon Pak Phoon on Thursday.
Their visit followed a complaint that several animals were left unfed inside the premises and that a foul smell was coming from the place, veterinarian Thanawat Pansanit of Nakhon Si Thammarat livestock office said.
On entering through the gate, they found several cages in a garbage strewn area in front of the house. There were three live cats and two live dogs roaming there, but they were starving and ill, he said. There were also two dead cats.
When they went inside the house, they found it filthy and stinking.
Neighbours told the officials the townhouse belonged to a woman teacher at a municipal school in downtown Muang district. The owner had cared for several dogs and cats before she was evicted more than two months ago when the property was seized by her bank.
She had returned only once to feed her animals, to their knowledge.
The five sick animals were taken to the livestock office for treatment.
Mr Thanawat said they would find out who previously owned the house and the animals and bring a cruelty to animals charge against the woman.
Mayor Chalerm Srimuang said the property had been seized by the Government Housing Bank. Pak Phoon officials would jointly inspect the premises in company with bank staff, and municipal staff would be sent to clean up the place.
A dead cat found inside a cage at the house. (Photo by Nujaree Raekrun)
Several cats and dogs are left unfed in this townhouse after it was seized by the Government Housing Bank and the owner evicted. (Photo by Nujaree Raekrun)