RATCHABURI: A monk at a temple in Ban Pong district has appealed to people not to leave any more of their unwanted animals at the monastery, which already has to care for more than 160 dogs, cows and horses.
Phra Jittrakorn Leksu of Wat Phor Sodaram, locally known as Wat Phor Mon, in tambon Khung Phayom, said people frequenty abandon their dogs at the temple. Unwanted cows and horses were also often "donated".
The number of the animals foisted on the temple had increased to the point that caring for them is causing immense problems. Some have fallen sick and others have died bcause there's not enough food for them.
The abbot, Phra Mahanusart, felt sympathy for abandoned dogs, so he looked after them. None of the dogs had been sterilised, leading inevitably to a sharp increase in their numbers, said Phra Jittrakorn.
There were currently 120 dogs, 38 cows and four horses under the care of the temple, he said.
It cost about 50,000 baht a month to feed them all, which placed a huge burden on the temple.
The presence of so many dogs also scared off people wanting to make merit, as they were afraid of being attacked, he said.
The junior monk said he had created a Facebook page seeking public donations to help feed the animals. Many local residents had subsequently given food and other items to the temple.
Phra Jittrakorn appealed to the public not to abandon or donate any more animals to the temple.
The Bangkok Post went to the temple and confirmed the many dogs and other animals being cared for there.
Thavorn Phorkha, chief of Ban Pong livestock office, led a team to check on the condition of the animals on Wednesday.
He said they vaccinated all 38 cows against foot-and-mouth disease and also fed them vitamins to help restore their strength.
Arrangements would be made for the provincial livestock office to send veterinarians to sterilise the dogs, Mr Thavorn said.
With 120 abandoned dogs, and also cows and horses, to care for already, the temple is asking that people dump no more unwanted animals there. (Photo by Saichon Srinuanchan)