Pack of Stray Dogs Fleeing Floods Threatens Residents in Pathum Thani
Over 20 stray dogs displaced by floods in Pathum Thani are chasing residents and causing vehicle accidents along roadsides near Rangsit, prompting authorities to seek urgent solutions to the seasonal problem.
Residents in Pathum Thani are alarmed by a gang of over 20 stray dogs that have fled floodwaters and now shelter along roadsides near convenience stores. The animals chase and bite people, dart in front of vehicles causing multiple accidents, according to complaints posted on social media on September 23. The dogs live on private land with overgrown vegetation and water sources near a construction road heading toward Rangsit, Village 5, Bang Phun subdistrict, Mueang district, Pathum Thani. During the rainy season, heavy flooding forces the dogs onto streets and sidewalks, endangering residents and causing fear.
Residents report that large numbers of stray dogs emerge at night near convenience stores and the front of their housing area. The dogs sometimes dart in front of vehicles, forcing drivers to brake or swerve suddenly, resulting in multiple accidents with injuries. Some residents have also been bitten by dogs, prompting calls for authorities to take urgent action. On-site inspection found over 20 stray dogs living on private land consisting of overgrown forest with water sources. Most dogs hide under trees in the surrounding area, with water containers and food trays observed nearby. Local animal welfare volunteers reportedly feed them regularly every evening, causing the pack to accumulate in large numbers.
During the rainy season, when heavy rainfall floods the private land, the dogs move to roadsides and footpaths to escape the water, creating significant traffic safety risks, especially at night when visibility is poor. Drivers must exercise extra caution, and accidents from dogs darting in front of vehicles are a serious concern. A team led by Captain Supatanasiri Bunyawat, a professional nurse at Bang Phun Subdistrict Municipality Health Division, along with Pathum Thani Provincial Livestock Officials, Bang Phun Subdistrict Municipality legal officer, and municipal staff, conducted an inspection of the stray dog problem.
Captain Supatanasiri revealed that the stray dog issue occurs regularly every year, especially during the rainy season when residents lodge complaints about the nuisance. When flooding occurs, dogs escape to roadsides and sidewalks. The problem is compounded by local animal welfare volunteers feeding dogs daily, causing the pack to grow significantly. Previously, warning signs about cleanliness were installed and notices asking people to feed dogs in other locations were posted to maintain hygiene standards. However, the municipality faced complaints from animal welfare groups claiming the signs constituted animal cruelty and were intended to prevent dog feeding.
The municipality has coordinated with the land owner, who resides in Bangkok. The owner previously filled the land and installed barriers to prevent dogs from settling there, but when the barriers deteriorated, people continued feeding dogs on the property. The municipality had also coordinated with livestock officials and health divisions to conduct vaccinations and neutering operations to control the dog population and prevent breeding.
