A community’s concern over cruelty to animals

Editor;

Approximately one month ago two Arab men, a Thai woman and one large Labrador dog moved into a dilapidated house next to ours on Soi -5, Pattaya. The 2nd day after settling in, our new neighbours brought home a couple of full grown German Shepherds. On the 3rd day, three German Shepherd puppies, and shortly after, two young Rottweilers, making 8 dogs in all.

The backyard of this house is cement, measuring approximately 50 sq. meters. Within one week the stench from the daily excrement of 8 big dogs became unbearable. We complained to them and they promised that their girl would clean it up. Well, their girl disappeared the next day.

Apparently these men bought a bar downtown and spend most of their time there, not coming home for days at a time. Meanwhile, the dogs go without food and water.

They have three small cages into which they put five of the dogs on a rotation basis. The 3 German Shepherd puppies are usually locked up without food and water in a small room with a louvered window next to my fence. The dogs can be seen constantly pacing back and forth like wild animals.

In the yard, one of the large German Shepherds looks ill and hardly moves as he has some sort of contraption around his legs. The other German Shepherd and Labrador have shared a cage for the last three days without being let out. They constantly bark and yelp out of frustration. Sometimes, the Rottweilers are caged for days on end and the 2 large dogs are allowed out.

The house occupants are seldom seen, but when they are we plead with them to provide food and water for the poor animals and to do something about the barking and the unbearable stench, but most of the time they are unable or unwilling to comprehend anything. When they do feed them, it’s usually three or four small tins of dog food dumped out on the ground and the tins left for the eight dogs to chew on. If there are dogs in cages, well, too bad - maybe they’ll get some next time they’re inspired to feed them.

This blatant cruelty cannot be allowed to go on. I wrote them a letter before the end of last month asking them to do something about the problems that affect the animals and the immediate neighborhood. We have been forced to keep the doors on that side of the house closed to block out the nauseating smell and noise. People have started to pelt the dogs with stones to keep them quiet, but I try to put a stop to this when I see it. I have even heard remarks made by other neighbors about poisoning them. Why punish the poor dogs when it is the owners’ responsibility. Pattaya doesn’t need cruelty like this.

The house owner who lives in Bangkok confirmed she had already accepted their rent money in good faith so they have the right to remain for another month. She informed us that she was told by the police that as long as there was a fence around the house that kept the dogs in and were not outside terrorising the neighborhood and biting people, there was nothing they could do. City Hall was also contacted and they too pleaded helplessness. Naturally, nobody has been around to investigate the situation. It seems there is no association for the protection of animals in Thailand. Wildlife, yes, but cruelty to domesticated animals is totally ignored, as is evident by the number of diseased and stray dogs roaming the country.

What I don’t understand, and cannot believe, is that ordinary citizens like us who have been living peaceably here have absolutely no recourse against public nuisances and animal cruelty. Perhaps the key word here is "ordinary citizen". Would this be allowed to happen if some influential or rich family lived in this house? I think not. Why does the law protect people who can be cruel to animals, destroy the peace, foul the environment and endanger the health of residents in an area, but ignore the complaints of people who ask nothing, more than to be allowed to continue living as they have for almost two decades?

Can anybody suggest a solution?

Signed,
A concerned citizen

International School of the Regents

Dear Sir,

Last Thursday, 1st July, we attended the I.S.R. School Concert at the Mercure Hotel in Pattaya, and was so impressed we just had to put pen to paper, as it were!

We have never enjoyed a concert as much as we did that night. The performance was well presented and with such enthusiasm from the children and the staff. The programme was varied and solo performances from the children were enchanting.

Our daughter was in the Primary Choir, and we were proud of the fact she could be part of such a prestigious event.

We have since learnt that the Head of Music wrote some of the pieces performed, and feel privileged to know that our children are being taught to the highest of standards.

Whilst writing we would like to comment on the improvement of both our children in the 6 months that they have been at the school. We recently moved to Thailand, coming from England it was a big upheaval for them, but the staff have been so helpful and understanding in their comfort and security.

The standard of education is very high and we are very glad that we chose the school and would recommend it to anyone considering sending their child to I.S.R.

The quality of teaching is excellent and our girls have settled in very well.

We do feel that I.S.R. should be given credit and hope that you will publish this letter in the next edition of the Pattaya Mail, to show our thanks and gratitude that the Teachers and staff deserve.

Yours truly,
Kevin and Kay Boyle

Can’t share the enthusiasm for Loxinfo

Sir,

In response to Mr. Clarke’s letter, I hate to burst his Loxinfo bubble but being a so called "computer engineer" (even one with over 20 years experience!) has nothing to do with knowing what is good or poor service from ISP providers. I am also a Loxinfo subscriber but unfortunately I cannot share Mr. Clarke’s enthusiasm. I am also able to log on at 45600 bps on occasion but usually not for more than a few minutes. Quite often I am unable to log on at all at these speeds or have problem getting connected. I realize part of my problems could be my poor excuse for a phone line.

I would also hardly call Loxinfo’s technical support "excellent". I usually have to go through two or three technical support personnel before I get any sensible answers to my queries.

I for one welcome new ISP providers and plan on visiting Mr. Bunch at E-net real soon for a starter kit. The price is right & I can’t see them being any worse than what I have (or should I say don’t have) now.

Russ Blohn

Message from Down Under

Dear PM,

It was so nice to catch up with you in Melbourne and congratulations on the professional manner in which you acted as M.C. of the function. I have read your reports from the Internet; well done. It seemed the Road Show was successful across the board and I hope this is reflected in the future tourist numbers from Down Under...

All the best from your Aussie mate Keith,
Keith Hillier, Chairman

Australian Racing and Travel Corporation P/L
Melbourne, Australia

Hi to old friends in Pattaya

Hi Pattaya Mail,

While browsing the net I found "The Pattaya Mail" and was delighted as I lived and worked in Pattaya up till September 1998.

I was part owner and manager of the Black Bush Inn with an old friend of Pattaya Mail Ms Gail Chit Aroon.

I also played music at Rancho Tejas with my very dear friends the Furguson family, Miss Sheri and the late Larry Ferguson.

So it is with great delight I email you all to say hi and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone from the old days at Rancho when I make my return visit in October this year.

So till then stay happy Pattaya and all my dear friends Sheri, Lionel, Mike Thompson, Mr. Lassa at the Black Bush and everyone at the Siam Bayshore Resort, Mike and Marion at the Thai Garden Resort and that wonderful band Soul House.

Rob Scott,
(Perth W.A.)

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.