DOG'S LIFE

STRAY DOG SHELTER STRETCHED BEYOND LIMITS AS FUNDING FALLS SHORT

- Natnaree Likidwatanasakun

Phuket’s government-run stray dog shelter is struggling under the weight of more than 1,000 dogs as officials warn that chronic underfunding, rising operating costs, water shortages and limited space are pushing the facility to breaking point.

The warning comes despite Phuket provincial officials budgeting more than B5 million a year for stray dog management.

Figures presented at a Phuket Stray Dog Shelter meeting with Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo last month showed the province has allocated a proposed budget of B5,001,230 for fiscal 2027 to care for 1,004 dogs. However, Phuket Provincial Livestock Chief Suthat Niyomthai admitted the real cost of operating the shelter is significantly higher.