Euthanizing stray animals is a sensitive topic in Thailand. It is wildly misunderstood that it is a main tool used in controlling the number of strays. A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has, however, explained that the use of this method is strictly limited, unless the animal has health issues or an easily transmitted disease.

A global charity focused on animal welfare, Four Paws International, is working with Thai governmental bodies in Trang and Bangkok to reduce the number of stray animals, using the ‘’Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release’’ or CNVR approach. Sterilising and vaccinating stray animals are significant measures to effectively control the numbers. This aims at breaking the cycle of suffering those animals experience. By sterilising and vaccinating 70% of a given stray animal population, they can manage the rate of reproduction.

According to Matt Backhouse, Head of Stray Animal Care in Southeast Asia for Four Paws International, Thailand is doing well in terms of its progressive attitude towards animal welfare. “It’s one of the first countries in Southeast Asia that has animal welfare legislation which, like all legislation, could be improved. Thailand has banned the dog and cat meat trade, which is excellent, and has government engagement and investment in these CNVR programs, unlike some countries which are performing euthanasia for the regulation of the animal population.”

Matt also stated that euthanasia in Thailand has been well managed when it comes to stray animals. In Thailand, animals aren’t usually euthanized because of overcrowding in shelters, unlike in other countries. The culling of animals isn’t allowed as a means of population control. The two reasons that justify the mercy killing of animals in Thailand are the danger to health that an animal can pose if it carries a zoonotic pathogen and the suffering that an animal with an incurable condition or injury might go through. Thailand’s policy is, thus, rather strict when compared to other countries.

By Aymen Belkadi and Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World