Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision of Animal Welfare Act

Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision of Animal Welfare Act is a parliamentary act of the National Assembly of Thailand. The bill was discussed in the 2014 winter session of the assembly, and was approved by a vote of 188 to 1.[1] It was officially enacted on 27 December 2014. It is the first law for animal welfare in Thailand.[2]

The act does not cover wildlife and most livestock animals (there is already a Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act), but only pets and domesticated animals for food. Its principal mandates are to enforce animal owners to provide appropriate care and shelter, and to stop illegal meat trade.[3]

It prohibits neglect, torture, and uncared transport of live animals. Neglect includes improper housing and transportation of animals, such as commonly used in Thailand, which often lead to injury and death. An offense is punishable by law, which may impose a one-year-term in prison, and fine of up to ฿40,000 ($1,663), or both.[2]

Background

Thailand is infamous for its stray animals, particularly cats and dogs. It is a centre of major illegal dog trade for meat. In addition to domestic use, dogs are exported to China and Vietnam. These animals are cramped up in bags or cages while transporting, and found to have injuries, and, sometimes, have died. There are also numerous reports of pet thefts. Many pet owners dump unwanted animals in the street.[3]

Thailand had no specific legislation for acts of cruelty to animals. There is a minor criminal code under which cruelty to animals is punishable by a maximum one month in prison and/or ฿1,000 fine. But the code does not clarify what cruelty is, and is never practised.[4] A number of animal right activist had come up to ban such unethical practices, but to no avail. With better organisations such as Thai Animal Guardians Association, Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and especially Soi Dog Foundation, a global campaign resulted in pressure to the Thai government.[3][2] The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lobbied lawmakers for 20 years prior to the legislation being passed.[4]

A major breakthrough was in April 2012 when the Animal Activist Alliance of Thailand (AAA), collaborating with 30 other animal protection groups protested in front of the parliament. As a result a parliamentary sub-committee was created to prepare a draft bill for regulation the torture and abuse of animals. It had representatives from various animal activists and important organisations.[5]

The draft bill titled "Animal Anti-Cruelty and Welfare Draft Act" was prepared, and was discussed at the November session of the National Legislative Assembly. It was passed on 12 November with a vote for by 188 members, one was against it, and four abstained. The government enforced it on 27 December 2014 as "Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision of Animal Welfare Act".[4]

Features

The main objective of the act is to provide adequate care to animals. The act defines animals to be protected as those "raised as pets, as animals for work, as beasts of burden, as friends, as livestock, as performing show animals, or for any other purpose, no matter with or without owners". And animal owners are imposed to "raise, nurture and keep the animals in appropriate conditions with good health and sanitation and with sufficient food and water".[3]

The act defines cruelty to animals as any action that induce suffering in animals, such as beating, stabbing, burning, scalding, starving, poisoning or any physical or mental torture, pain, illness, disability or death, including using a disabled, ill, aged, or pregnant animal for labour or show work, and prohibits such actions.[4] It also include abuse of working animals, such as those used in entertainment shows, cats and dogs in pet cafes and zoos as well as over-exertion of old, sick or pregnant animals, or animals that are far too young to work.[3]

The act prohibits animal cruelty from being used as a non-tariff trade barrier by foreign countries. It permits designated officials to search homes or businesses with any information on cruelty to animals.[6]

Rejected proposals

There were 20 proposals for the law suggested by animal rights groups included in the draft bill that were not approved.[6]

The major points omitted related to discarding animals or keeping them in a too narrow confinement, animals fighting for sport, the eating of live animals, as well as prohibiting the trade of dogs and cats for consumption.[6]

Enforcement

The first offense of the act was reported in January 2015. Kamdee Kotata, a 50-years-old villager in northeastern Nong Khai Province, was arrested by police officers on 5 January. After a dog bit his chicken, the man threw knife at a dog, cutting the dog’s face.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mekatitam, Pratheep (20 November 2014). "Animal welfare law finally passed by NLA". Law Reform Commission of Thailand. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Kanchanalak, Pornpimol (13 November 2014). "A landmark victory for animal rights". The Nation. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Klangboonkrong, Manta (13 February 2015). "New Thai law against animal cruelty puts burden on humans". Asiaone (Singapore Press Holdings Ltd . Co.). Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Thailand passes new animal rights legislation". AAA. 16 January 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  5. ↑ Wiek, Edwin. "Wildlife not protected from abuse under new Thai animal welfare laws". Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 Fredrickson, Terry (13 November 2014). "Animal welfare law passed". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  7. ↑ "First arrest under 2014 Animal Welfare Act". Prachatai. 6 January 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
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