Pet ordinance draws backlash

The new pet control ordinance issued by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), while necessary, has caused a stir and drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates.

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Animal welfare groups argue the regulation — announced in the Royal Gazette in January — was introduced with little, if any, public consultation.

Hope Thailand, an animal welfare advocacy group, said that when it received an invitation to a forum held on May 1, there was hope it could push for changes to the points it disagreed with.

But that was not the case. The group learned the ordinance is already set to take effect in January next year. “They invited me just to acknowledge it, not to offer advice,” said Piraboon Charoenwai of Hope Thailand.

Mr Piraboon raised concerns about the lack of awareness, noting that while the ordinance will affect a large number of people, few actually know about it.

He makes a valid point. As a matter of principle, any regulation with widespread impact should be preceded by public consultation and a strong public awareness campaign.

Under the ordinance, pet owners will be required to register their pets at district offices and present vaccination records. Microchip implantation will also be mandatory.