PHUKET: Phuket's iconic Soi Dog Foundation is expanding operations to prevent thousands of unwanted puppies being born and dying from starvation and disease on Phuket - as well as increasing its presence in Bangkok.
The expanded program, called PUP [Prevent Unwanted Puppies] is an ambitious attempt to sterilise 20,000 animals over the next two years.
It will cost the foundation 10 million baht in addition to normal operating costs.
All proceeds from a foundation event on May 12 at Xana Beach Club, Angsana Laguna Phuket resort in Laguna will go toward this project.
SDF's Bangkok operation will be funded separately.
Foundation Vice President John Dalley said: ''Last year the people of Phuket responded magnificently to a similar fund raiser to help secure the future of our Mai Khao shelter by contributing to the funds required to acquire the land.
''This year we hope Phuketians will be equally generous in supporting our efforts to expand our operation for PUP, which requires additional vehicles and staff.''
PUP is already supported by the British based Dog's Trust and local copuncil municipalities. Working with Phuket's councils, SDF will run mobile clinics systematically, commencing in Mai Khao at Sarasin bridge and working southwards, spending a minimum of one month in each council district.
The councils will provide locations and publicise the clinics in their areas, calling on all pet owners to have their pets sterilised and vaccinated free of charge.
Bangkok Operation
The Phuket foundation has also expanded operations into Bangkok where it led the rescue of thousands of abandoned animals in last year's floods, and is actively involved in tackling the illegal trade of stolen pets to the dog meat restaurants of Vietnam and China.
The Bangkok activities are separate from the ongoing Phuket work which has resulted in 37,000 sterilisations so far, resulting in a big reduction in the number of stray dogs on the island.
Mr Dalley emphasised, however, that the job is far from over: ''We are seeing an increasing number of abandoned puppies coming mainly from owners who either cannot afford or cannot be bothered to have their dogs neutered. Although we can never sterilise every dog on Phuket I believe that in two years we will in effect be able to just run a maintenance operation here.''
May 12 Event
Xana Beach Club at the Angsana Resort in Laguna Phuket will host this event starting at 6.30pm. Ticket price of 2500 baht includes a delicious buffet dinner and free flow beer and wine. For bookings, contact Cristy Baker at cristy@soidog-foundation.org or on 0840544367. Dress code: Black and White.
The expanded program, called PUP [Prevent Unwanted Puppies] is an ambitious attempt to sterilise 20,000 animals over the next two years.
It will cost the foundation 10 million baht in addition to normal operating costs.
All proceeds from a foundation event on May 12 at Xana Beach Club, Angsana Laguna Phuket resort in Laguna will go toward this project.
SDF's Bangkok operation will be funded separately.
Foundation Vice President John Dalley said: ''Last year the people of Phuket responded magnificently to a similar fund raiser to help secure the future of our Mai Khao shelter by contributing to the funds required to acquire the land.
''This year we hope Phuketians will be equally generous in supporting our efforts to expand our operation for PUP, which requires additional vehicles and staff.''
PUP is already supported by the British based Dog's Trust and local copuncil municipalities. Working with Phuket's councils, SDF will run mobile clinics systematically, commencing in Mai Khao at Sarasin bridge and working southwards, spending a minimum of one month in each council district.
The councils will provide locations and publicise the clinics in their areas, calling on all pet owners to have their pets sterilised and vaccinated free of charge.
Bangkok Operation
The Phuket foundation has also expanded operations into Bangkok where it led the rescue of thousands of abandoned animals in last year's floods, and is actively involved in tackling the illegal trade of stolen pets to the dog meat restaurants of Vietnam and China.
The Bangkok activities are separate from the ongoing Phuket work which has resulted in 37,000 sterilisations so far, resulting in a big reduction in the number of stray dogs on the island.
Mr Dalley emphasised, however, that the job is far from over: ''We are seeing an increasing number of abandoned puppies coming mainly from owners who either cannot afford or cannot be bothered to have their dogs neutered. Although we can never sterilise every dog on Phuket I believe that in two years we will in effect be able to just run a maintenance operation here.''
May 12 Event
Xana Beach Club at the Angsana Resort in Laguna Phuket will host this event starting at 6.30pm. Ticket price of 2500 baht includes a delicious buffet dinner and free flow beer and wine. For bookings, contact Cristy Baker at cristy@soidog-foundation.org or on 0840544367. Dress code: Black and White.
I am an animal lover so dress code upsets me as dress code is becomming more casual in most countries. To ask for Black and White (shirt and tie) will put off many people in Phuket. A charity should focus on the maximum amount of revenue not excluding people who do not have a suit which probably most do not.
Posted by Adam Aarons on April 24, 2012 23:50
Editor Comment:
On Phuket, ''black and white'' usually just refers to the color of the clothing the hosts would prefer you to wear. Suits? Unlikely.