In May 2012 when I visited the 4 government shelters housing dogs it became clear that the figures did not add up. In one group of nearly 2,000 dogs rescued we found only 100 dogs still alive at a remote center near the Burmese border. Many of these were dying.
Although the government's Department of Livestock had been given the task of housing the dogs they had been given no budget to care for them because dogs are not classified as livestock. What little food they got was from local donations and even the managers of the centers bought food out of their own pockets. It has been estimated that as many as 70% of all intercepted dogs died within 6 months of being rescued!
As I walked away my emotions drifted from despair to anger and then frustration but mostly hopelessness and a deep sadness for these poor creatures who had endured so much and were now reduced to living skeletons waiting to die. I determined that we must do something to stop this.
Soi Dog supporters joined together as members of the Magic 1000 Club to provide food and much needed medication. Over $33,000/€24,000 per month is currently being spent on just food alone.
Although smuggling activities have been greatly reduced the war against the dog meat trade is far from over. More dogs will be rescued and they must be cared for.
The current government shelters are inadequate for the care of the dogs. They are converted livestock facilities and were never intended for long term care of dogs. Little protection from the elements, lack of segregation of dogs, poor quarantine and overcrowding is a dangerous recipe for disease epidemics as have already occurred.
Soi Dog has committed to provide proper purpose built shelters to solve these problems but cannot do so without you!
With your help Soi Dog will provide shelters to accommodate up to 5,000 dogs. In May this year the first shelter was completed and after many delays because of severe monsoon weather the second shelter was recently completed.
A third shelter is nearing completion and work has started on a fourth. In addition a new roadway to provide access is being built and proper electricity and water supplies installed.
A vital hospital unit is also being planned and Soi Dog has assigned a permanent member of our staff to be on site to work with government officials. Funds are urgently needed to build the additional shelters and we must act quickly to complete the project during the coming dry season.
The wet season makes matters considerably worse for the dogs, if they are not protected from the weather they are far more likely to become ill, spread disease and dogs will die. The shelters must be built before the coming wet season and only with your help can this be done!
The costs are huge and caring for the dogs will only continue with your support, please donate today.
Thank you for helping the rescued dogs. It is only because of you that they will continue to get the care and shelter they so much need deserve!
Please donate today. Your donation will save lives!
Best wishes,
John Dalley
"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man." - Mahatma Gandhi
P.S. Remember all donations up to $10,000 will be doubled making your donation go twice as far!
US Residents - Soi Dog is a registered charity in the USA and your donation is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by US law.
United Kingdom Residents - Soi Dog is a registered charity in the UK and your donation qualifies for HMRC gift aid.
NOTE: I have deleted almost all the photos from this message as I cannot bear to look at the suffering, and I expect you feel the same. P.C.
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