Temple tails: Abbot’s plea as abandoned pets become a ‘paw-sible’ problem

A recent plea from Phra Maha Charan Siridhammo, the abbot of Wat Phra That Khao Noi, situated in the southern district of Mueang, Nan province, spotlighted a concerning issue. He has urged people to stop the improper action of abandoning their dogs and cats at temples when they find them difficult to care for.

Such actions, he explained, are akin to sinning as they place an undue burden on the monks and novices who have to provide food, water, and care for these animals, and manage their waste.

The issue became notably significant following a recent incident where a cat was bitten by a dog at the temple. A tourist uncovered the incident, innocently photographing it and sharing it on social media. The temple was subsequently criticized by social media users for being heartless, questioning why they hadn’t used the plentiful donations they received to help the cat. Unbeknownst to these critics, the temple had already taken steps to assist the feline.

The 62 year old Somchit Pintachuea official responsible for the temple’s upkeep, clarified the temple’s actions. She escorted visitors around the temple grounds, which had been arranged with cages for the cats using donated funds. Currently, the temple houses over 30 cats, the number continually increasing with people secretly dropping off more each day.

Somchit recounted that just yesterday, someone had covertly left three kittens in a cage at the temple. Similarly, the previous week, a pregnant cat had been abandoned and has since given birth to five kittens.

The temple is at a loss on how to handle the situation. Denying the animals food seems callous, but providing for them when they fall ill is a constant challenge. The cat that was bitten by a dog and featured in the viral post had been taken for treatment, costing the temple over 10,000 baht, funded by generous donors.

Despite the temple’s efforts, some cats still escape, and capturing them can be challenging due to their fearful nature. Tourists who notice these cats often take pictures and post them on social media, inviting unwarranted criticism.

Hence, the abbot is requesting people to stop abandoning their pets. Those who wish to help, are welcome to adopt the surplus kittens currently residing at the temple, thereby providing them with a safe and caring home, reported KhaoSod.