Pathum Thani Pit Bull Attack: Calls for Stricter Dog Ownership Laws Intensify After Elderly Woman’s Tragic Death

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The heart-wrenching tale of an elderly woman tragically mauled by her neighbor’s pit bull in Pathum Thani last week is a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by aggressive dog breeds. Sadly, this is unlikely to be the last such incident, but it has certainly reignited calls for stricter regulations and more proactive measures from state agencies to safeguard lives.

The victim, a 67-year-old woman, was biking past her neighbor’s house when the pit bull attacked. She was later found in a horrifying state, lying in a pool of blood on the street with severe bite marks covering her body and her right leg nearly torn off. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Her tragic death is among several horrific cases this year alone. In July, a 70-year-old man lost his life in Khon Kaen after being attacked by his neighbor’s pit bulls while riding his bicycle. He suffered grievous wounds, especially to his face and head. More recently, in Lop Buri, an 18-year-old young man was mauled to death by a pack of pit bulls belonging to his brother. Heart-wrenching security footage showed his final moments as he was chased and ultimately killed inside the family home.

Back in 2005, the Department of Livestock Development implemented an import ban on four particularly dangerous dog breeds: American pit bull terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Fila Brasileiros. Violating this law could result in a 5,000 baht fine and the confiscation of the dog. Despite this ban, these breeds are still prevalent because owning them isn’t illegal.

The owner of TNT Kennel Thailand in Nakhon Pathom province, who wished to remain anonymous, shared insights into the popularity of pit bulls. According to him, these dogs are often chosen for their strength and perceived aggression, typically desired for guarding purposes. However, he emphasized that pit bulls could also be trained for competitions, where they’re taught to be friendly and polite.

He noted that despite their intimidating appearance, pit bulls can be affectionate family dogs. Their aggressive demeanor often surfaces when they encounter unfamiliar people, prompting them to display protective behavior. The kennel owner pointed out that many of the pit bulls available on the market are not of pure pedigree and tend to exhibit more aggressive traits. He revealed that his own kennel has now shifted to breeding American bullies, a gentler, more friendly variant.

Proper care and understanding of a dog’s behavior are crucial in managing their temperaments. Ensuring they are not left unsupervised without proper oversight is essential. Dr. Kaset Sutasha, a veterinarian at Kasetsart University Animal Hospital, concurred, noting that 70% of dog behavior is shaped by their upbringing and care, with the remaining 30% attributed to instinct. He remarked that all dogs retain traces of DNA from their wild ancestors, pre-historic wolves, meaning some natural instincts persist, even in domesticated pets.

Dr. Sutasha highlighted a troubling trend: over half of dog owners fail to provide adequate care for their pets. Poorly trained dogs tend to act on their instincts, often leading to aggressive behaviors. He clarified that dogs aren’t inherently aggressive wrongdoers; rather, it’s their environment and treatment that provoke such actions. He stressed the importance of exercise and outdoor activities to manage a dog’s stress and aggression levels. Many aggressive dogs suffer from being confined in small spaces for prolonged periods, causing them to lash out as a way to release pent-up stress.

In response to the rising number of dog attacks, Dr. Sutasha urged state agencies to take decisive action. “The issue has escalated. It is high time to enforce laws against owning particularly aggressive dogs, especially the banned breeds,” he asserted. He proposed using birth control methods, such as neutering and spaying, to manage dog populations and reduce aggression linked to sex hormones. Additionally, he advocated for owner registration and microchip implants to track and manage dog ownership more effectively.

Roger Lohanan, secretary-general of the Thai Animal Guardians Association, revealed that civil society has been advocating for comprehensive legislation to control dangerous dogs, irrespective of breed. He confirmed that the Department of Livestock Development is drafting such a bill. This forthcoming legislation, developed in collaboration with various animal welfare organizations and academic institutions, will be modeled on the Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare Act. It will outline appropriate living conditions and treatment for dogs and include stringent regulations for owners of aggressive breeds.

The bill proposes measures to prevent attacks, such as obligatory training, visible warning signs, and requirements for leashes and muzzles when the dogs are outside. It will also restrict individuals under 15 or over 65 years old from taking these dogs out of confinement. Cruel training methods and violent punishments will be prohibited, with fines ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 baht for non-compliance.

According to Mr. Lohanan, the targeted changes are anticipated to be implemented by year’s end. Meanwhile, the Department of Livestock Development has already established a team to investigate and develop measures to prevent future dog attacks, marking a significant step towards ensuring public safety.