Three dog owners in Rayong’s Nikhom Phatthana district have asked police to take action against those responsible for poisoning their pets in separate incidents, resulting in the deaths of 36 animals.

Somjit Palapol, a durian farmer, claims that his 19 dogs were poisoned on March 6, 17 of which died.

He said that he raised his dogs with love and best care, but they were killed by poison-laced food. ‘I am speechless and broken-hearted. I have already filed a complaint with the police, as the killings violate the law,’ he said.

According to the Anti-Cruelty to Animals Act, which came into force in 2014, offenders are punishable by prison terms not exceeding two years and/or a maximum fine of Bt40,000.

Somjit says he does not know reason for the poisonings, as his dogs were raised in closed areas. If they had caused a problem for somebody, they should have come and complained to him, he said.

A witness told reporters that, on March 6, he saw a bronze pickup truck arrive and park in front of Somjit’s plantation. The dogs ran to it, after which and the vehicle sped off. Shortly afterward, the dogs appeared to be suffering from what is believed to be the results of poison ingestion.

According to Somjit, the poisoning of dogs has occurred twice previously, resulting in the deaths of 19 dogs. Owners of those animals have already sought police action, he said.

The case came to light after the Watchdog Thailand Foundation posted about it on its Facebook page.