Proposal for the Registration of Stray Dogs and Stray Cats in Community : A Comparative Study of Legal Measures in Singapore and Thailand

Abstract

         Currently, all sectors are aware of the importance of controlling the population of stray dogs and cats. Continuous campaigns for sterilization are being conducted, along with raising awareness about responsible pet ownership to prevent pet abandonment, which is a major cause of stray animals in communities. The increasing number of stray dogs and cats also significantly contributes to the higher rate of rabies transmission to humans. According to the rabies situation report (as of November 30, 2024), positive rabies cases were found in 229 dogs and 8 cats sent for testing in 2024. There were also 4 reported deaths from rabies due to dog bites in the country, despite the fact that these deaths could have been prevented. Effective prevention relies on cooperation in disease prevention for both humans and animals. An urgent measure for animal disease prevention is to achieve over 80% vaccination coverage for pets, which can be accomplished after controlling the pet population and monitoring and controlling pet movements.

         This article analyzes pet control measures in Thailand compared to Singapore, suggesting that local-level regulations are more appropriate as they can be tailored to the social context of each area. The initial phase should focus on a registration system to know the number of pets in households, but eventually, a licensing system should be considered to ensure the qualifications of pet owners throughout the pet ownership process, preventing long-term pet abandonment. Additionally, the author proposes registering stray dogs and cats in the name of the community to reflect their origin, which would facilitate comprehensive control of the stray animal population nationwide. This approach would also prevent the burden from falling on individuals and encourage community involvement in sustainably managing the stray animal population. Knowing the actual number of stray animals would benefit resource management and public health prevention efforts by local authorities.