Bangkok City Council approved a draft ordinance on Fridayto make it compulsory for owners of cats and dogs in the capital to have their pets microchipped, to reduce the public nuisance caused by stray cats and dogs.
The ordinance will come into effect as soon as it is published in the Royal Gazette for 360 days.
The essence of the by-law is that a person, living in Bangkok, is not allowed to raise a cat or a dog in public places or in the compound of other people without their consent. Bangkok is classified as a restricted zone, in which the numbers of cats and dogs that can be raised are controlled.
For instance, in a condominium or a rented home of 20-80 square metres, a maximum of two cats or two dogs, or one each, can be raised. A plot of land of 200-400 square metres, a maximum of four are permissible. On a larger plot of land, six are permitted.
The owners will be required to take their pet dogs and cats to a veterinary clinic to be microchipped, and the certificates must be shown to the respective district health offices.
For dangerous dogs, such as Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers and Rottweilers, or dogs which have a history of biting people, if they are to be taken into public places, the owners must make sure that the dogs are muzzled and kept on a strong leash or rope.
According to a 2024 survey of the dog and cat population in Bangkok, conducted by volunteers from 67 public health offices, there are altogether 53,991 dogs with owners, 8,945 stray dogs, 115,821 cats with owners and 19,925 strays.
