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How two women are helping to improve the life of soi dogs.
 Some 70 lives at the Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre in
Prachuap Khiri Khan province are under threat of danger and hardship.
Panda, one resident at the centre who was rescued from the street, fell prey
to rat poison dropped into her pen. The five-month-old puppy died in agony.
That was an ominous sign for Maureen Taylor and her daughter Dawn Poole, who
run the dog shelter. They and their "children" must move from their current
location soon, before more deaths occur.
But why was the puppy killed?
According to Poole, some municipal officials came to visit her a few
months ago, saying that they had received complaints from members of the
local community about the noise and smell from the centre. Before leaving,
they told her to move or shut down within 15 days.
"We understand that most people would not want to live next to a dog
centre and we do understand their concerns. But we also have concerns. If
funds permitted we would have moved to a more suitable location long ago,"
said Poole.
As a non-profit organisation, the Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre relies
heavily on public donations. A new plot of land needs to be rented or
bought, new shelters and pens need to be built, and many things must be
prepared before they can move, and these facilities can't be created within
the blink of an eye.
"We explained everything to the local officials, so they could assess our
situation. Our major problem is money," said Taylor.
Luckily, the two won a temporary reprieve with the help of members of the
Dogchance Group from Bangkok who persuaded the local authorities to extend
the deadline so that Taylor and Poole will have more time to move.
"Sadly, three days later, the puppy was poisoned. A tasty treat covered
with rat poison was dropped through the ornamental brickwork into her pen.
Some people disturb the dogs by throwing bottles into their pens. That sets
the dogs barking, the real cause of the noise problems," said Poole.
Taylor and Poole were saved again by a British couple, Jimmy and Julia
McKelvey, who heard about their problems and decided to step in.
"They offered us a five-rai plot at an extremely low rent. The land is
everything we could have hoped for: Large, airy and most importantly, far
away from people. It is a haven and heaven for our dogs. There is a grassy
area for the dogs to run around beneath shady trees, complete with a small
pond they can swim in," said Poole.
According to Poole, 39 pens will be built to accommodate a larger number
of dogs. They expect to be able to provide shelter for about 120 dogs after
the move. And an hygienic clinic for administering treatment will be set up
too.
"Thanks to the couple we can take in more dogs. But we have a contract
with them for only one year. After that we will have to look for a new
location. But at least it's better than nothing. We don't have a choice. We
do what we can to help the poor animals but we will not shut down the
centre," said Taylor.
To raise funds to continue operating, members of the Hua Hin Dog Rescue
Centre are organising a fund-raising event this Wednesday, July 27, at the
Monsoon Restaurant in Hua Hin. The fund-raising event includes a buffet and
an auction of items donated by local restaurants, hotels and businesses.
"You can have fun and at the same time help sick and injured dogs. We and
all the dogs need your help and support," said Poole.
The fund-raising evening will take place on July 27, starting at 7pm.
Tickets are 250 baht and include a buffet meal, a welcome drink and entrance
to the auction. They are available from the Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre's
charity shop on the 3rd floor of Hua Hin Shopping Mall and Buffalo Bill's
Restaurant.
Those who aren't able to attend the evening can help support the
relocation plan by donating building materials or labour. Donations of food
or medical supplies are also welcome. Any volunteers who are willing to help
out are also invited.
Call Dawn on 01-981-4406 or Maureen on 01-853-4586 for more information.
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