PAWS elects new chairman

PHUKET: The Phuket Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) committee has appointed Howard Cant as chairman, with responsibility for promoting awareness of the society’s activities and for improving efficiency. Eric Wells, the former chairman of PAWS, has resigned and has now set up Dogs in Danger in Thailand (DIDIT), to continue his work for the welfare of neglected canines. The PAWS committee has restructured the organization and made Patrick Blaauw the new Vice-Chairman in charge of media and public relations. Other appointments include Eve Lentz, veterinary coordinator; Katja Mechler, volunteer coordinator; Athena Cant, fundraising manager; and John and Kim Nolen, in charge of membership. PAWS has made considerable advances, especially in reaching an agreement with the Livestock Department that there be no more slaughters of stray animals. There will instead be a coordinated program to control and care for stray dogs and cats. In January and February, PAWS will welcome a team of vets from Australia led by Dr Alison Montgomery, a former stalwart of the organization. The vets will conduct a program of health checks and sterilizations of as many stray animals as possible throughout Phuket. For more information, call PAWS on 288889 or 355408.