No ruff times for rescue dogs: Thailand muzzles donation rumours
The Government of Thailand has slammed false claims circulating online that donations are needed to support military working dogs (K-9s) involved in earthquake rescue efforts. Government officials have made it clear, these highly trained dogs are well cared for, and no public funding is required.
Karom Phonphlang, deputy government spokesperson, set the record straight on yesterday, March 30, urging the public to ignore misleading social media messages asking for donations.
“These search dogs are under the care of army veterinarians, regularly assessed for health and fitness, and handled by specialists following strict safety protocols.”
The statement comes as rescue teams continue to battle against time to locate survivors in the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The devastating earthquake on Friday, March 28 caused widespread destruction, with thousands of buildings damaged.
Despite the chaos, the government insists there is no shortage of manpower, equipment, or resources. Specialised teams, including expert search-and-rescue units, are on the ground to bolster efforts. Officials have also thanked all parties involved in the massive operation, Bangkok Post reported.
Military search dogs have long been a lifeline in disaster zones, with their powerful noses able to detect human scent beneath metres of debris. Their role in Thailand’s current rescue mission is no exception.
In past disasters, such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, search dogs were instrumental in finding survivors buried for days, proving their worth in life-or-death situations.
These incredible canines don’t just save lives, they bring hope. As the rescue mission continues, their unmatched skills remain a crucial part of efforts to reunite victims with their loved ones.
Last year, the Royal Thai Army’s Veterinary & Remount Department set up an unusual auction in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district, offering 64 four-legged recruits who didn’t quite make the cut as elite military dogs.
Dog lovers had their pick of nine sturdy male and sixteen elegant female German Shepherds, alongside 23 lively male and 16 eager female Belgian Malinois.
Aged between a youthful 2.9 and a seasoned 3.3 years, these hopeful hounds underwent intensive military training but fell short of the army’s strict standards, either for being too friendly or missing the weight requirements
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