Beginn of the year will see sweeping changes to pet ownership in Bangkok thanks to a slowly announced legislation. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control 2024 has largely escaped notice, but its impact, particularly for dog and cat owners, could be significant when it comes into force on January 10.
Bangkok may be designated a managed area for six different animal species: mammals, poultry, aquatic life, amphibians, reptiles, and venomous or violent species. Dogs and cats are still in the top of mind in the city’s filled condos and residential streets.
Although the legislation aims to reduce stray animal populations and encourage responsible possession, there are already concerns about the feasibility of enforcement and a lack of public awareness.
Public perception distance
The announcement came as a shock to Thong Lor native and project director Puchatr Guna-Tilaka, who owns two felines and takes care of a neighborhood stray dog.
The BMA needs to do more than just post presentations. He argued that they must provide information to local communities through areas, playgrounds, and temples.
He applauded the ordinance’s intentions, particularly the way it promotes responsible dog rights. He did, however, warn of operational difficulties, specifically the requirement to chip, register, and document pets.
According to him,” These services may be free, but people didn’t use them if it’s too hard,” adding that public education drives and mobile clinics might also be required to increase compliance.
The BMA must first be forgiving at second, and this won’t work unless it is adequately enforced. Individuals require some time to comprehend. “
What is required by law
Within 120 days of birth or 30 times after adoption, owners must computer and record pets with the ordinance, along with identification, birth certificates, and rabies or sterilization certificates.
Dogs may be leashed in common, have ID tags, and be handled with muzzles and handle handlers between the ages of 10 and 65. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 25,000 ringgit.
There are limits to the number of pets per property, which can be found in smaller condos ( 20 to 80 square meters ) or in larger property plots up to six. Existing users who do not meet those requirements will be able to maintain their species.
At a recent press briefing on the plan, BMA lieutenant governor Tavida Kamolvej stated that the rules will not be voluntary when it comes into effect in January.
This implies that if you currently own dogs, you will not be affected by the change. You must file them, of course.
” Merely tell us, and you can continue to keep them, if you have six animals. Avoid infuriating your neighbors or your neighborhood by loving them, taking good care of them, and maintaining peace with them. Make sure to constantly treat them, and think about neutering them to support us reduce the canine population.
Don’t leave your dogs behind. She said,” This is not about punishment.”
It’s about promoting responsible rights, the author says. Simply record dogs and continue to take good care of them, she said, if you already have any.
instructions from the lessons of the past
The BMA’s Veterinary Services Division’s Director, Sittapol Emwisoot, acknowledged previous errors, mainly a flawed 2005 campaign to distinguish animals from stray dogs.
He claimed that the government’s expanded opportunity now includes cats, who breed more quickly than dogs.
He claimed that because there were more stray dogs in that time, a prior BMA legislation from 2005 failed after the BMA advised dog owners to microchip and record their dogs.
But, it failed to have much success because the general public rejected the advantages, was afraid of the consequences, or was concerned about the harm to the animals.
The aim of the new initiative is to promote duty among pet proprietors, address the issue of withdrawal that causes stray animals, and stop bad animal rights that harms dogs and cats, he said.
Additionally, the BMA wants to prevent illnesses that pets can transmit. The main goals are to prevent bird abandonment and foster responsibility in pet owners, according to the article. “
Since Covid, the number of cat has increased significantly, so the program includes both quarantining and neutering both cats and dogs.
This is because dogs only have two cats per year, whereas animals can get pregnant with four to five, he said. He stated that the BMA will build mobile units and work with animal organizations to give them a better understanding and achieve.
Prospective turning point
The Thai Animal Guardians Association’s secretary-general Rodger Lohnardt applauded the ordinance’s passion but warned that gaps remain, including ambiguous guidelines for businesses and homes that frequently require more than 30 times to rehome deviates.
This doesn’t still address unrestricted animal sales or careless breeding, he said. Without closing those deficiencies, we’re treating the signs, not the reason. “
SOS Animal Thailand Foundation leader Dayin Petcharat echoed that concern, but he also saw the legislation as a possible solution.
According to her,” Microchipping can connect animals to their owners, state data, and rescue teams,” if done according to ISO standards.
She even advocated for mobile quarantining teams and a stricter producer registration regulation, citing the risks of unchecked duplication in dense urban areas. She said,” This could be a real turning point for Thailand’s dog happiness.” But only if it is carried out with kindness and precision. “