Dog Smuggling: Thai Authorities Save Over 750 Dogs Destined For Cooking Pots

BANGKOK -- Thai authorities say they have rescued more than 750 dogs destined for cooking pots in Vietnam.

Capt. Thirakiat Thongaram says a Thai navy patrol caught a gang of dog smugglers Thursday morning on the shore of the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province.

His men found at least 750 dogs in small, rusty cages on a truck near a ferry ready to take them across the river to Laos.

He says the canines were to be transported through Laos to Vietnam, where dog meat is a delicacy. One Thai man was arrested on charges including illegal transportation of animals, while the other smugglers escaped.

The dogs will be sent to a shelter in Nakhon Phanom.

In 2011, Thai authorities rescued about 2,000 dogs headed for Vietnam.

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Comments

[Christine Bulot]

06:49 PM on 02/23/2012

No sentient being should be treated as this, human or otherwise! Even if any are used for "meat," they should at least still be treated humanely and put down with as little pain to the being as possible. Cognizant beings are NOT cargo!

[candidacandida]

01:49 PM on 02/12/2012

What can we do to help these animals and stop their suffering?

[dbrett480]

03:57 PM on 01/21/2012

This is why I won't walk my dog in Koreatown.

[yeti7]

06:02 PM on 01/15/2012

They sure look saved, is this a fate worse than death.
I love dogs and I sure hate seeing them like this.

[kimmykimmy]

07:11 AM on 01/15/2012

According to Thailand's Soi dog rescue these dogs were stolen pets because pedigrees are more of a delicacy in Vietnam. https:// www.facebo­ok.com/pho­to.php?fbi­d=30926124­5782284&se­t=a.137025­779672499.­11141.1086­2578917916­5&type=1&t­heater

[unique]

06:34 PM on 01/14/2012

Thanks to the Thai authorities for saving
these innocent dogs.

[MaryinNM]

10:33 PM on 01/13/2012

I openly admit, I'm conflicted. In our culture, it is not acceptable to eat dog. In Hindu culture, it is not acceptable to eat cow. In Muslim culture, it is not acceptable to eat pig. Food culture is truly unique. While I personally would not eat dog, I can not pass judgment on those cultures that do. In our culture, it's not acceptable to eat horse or guinea pig: I've eaten both, and they're delicious. But, then again, I've never had either of those as a pet. Basic rule I follow: once you name it, you can't/shouldn't eat it.

[Christine Bulot]

06:52 PM on 02/23/2012

I agree that many different cultures eat or forbid certain species. I will not judge any of them AS LONG as they treat the beings they are using as food with respect before and after they kill them. Take their life from them with as little pain and stress to the victim as possible, and do not waste any part of them.

[Genders]

09:25 PM on 01/13/2012

You must be kidding. Most of the dogs will be euthanized and dumped. Like the USA 14 million dogs and cats.

[missyinSoCal]

02:57 PM on 01/13/2012

I'm conflicted.... I see dogs as companion pets and my bulldog is my best furry friend who I'd move Heaven & earth for... But on the other hand, the Vietnamese culture accepts dog meat as a food and their people aren't opposed like Americans are to eating dog. IF the dogs are treated well when alive, HUMANELY put to sleep, then I really have no right to oppose what they do. We eat cows, chickens, pigs~ which is appalling to some other cultures..

[jcolvin325]

02:15 PM on 01/13/2012

It is acceptable to eat dogs in their culture...to each his own. Prepared properly..it may taste good. I ate monkey meat many years ago...wasn't great..but not bad either.

[cheechazteca]

11:13 PM on 01/13/2012

Interesting. Primate meat considered a delicacy anywhere?

[kimmykimmy]

07:07 AM on 01/15/2012

According to Thailand's Soi dog rescue these dogs were stolen pets because pedigrees are more of a delicacy in Vietnam. https:// www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=309261245782284&set=a.137025779672499.11141.108625789179165&type=1&theater

[Karl Wilder]

02:04 PM on 01/13/2012

I am adamantly opposed to dog eating. However American are hypocrites. India is opposed to eating cows, they see them as representatives of god, we eat them and they do not try and stop us or rescue them.

[charlekalena]

11:47 AM on 01/13/2012

There are really only 2 types of human beings, 1 is compassionate intelligent divinely ordered. 2.The other is gross stupid cruel heartless and demonic. All suffering comes from the second group.

[MacFluffers]

05:24 PM on 01/13/2012

"All people belong in two groups, snow white and pitch black."

Convenient reality you live in. Must be nice. I should visit sometime.

[charlekalena]

05:57 PM on 01/13/2012

let me state for the record that those 2 types exist within each being , there is a struggle that is ongoing. the end result is where one side will ultimately win. Hopefully it is divinity that the human ascends to, but many chose to sink into the demonic from which all suffering comes. God did not create mankind to suffer horrendous abuse and abuse others in the process but evil exacts horror all around and these dogs are part of that horror that comes from intense ignorance.

[dididangerlove]

11:34 AM on 01/13/2012

That could impact tourism. What American wants to chance eating a dog? We already have problems with humane treatment of farm animals here.

[MacFluffers]

05:23 PM on 01/13/2012

You kidding me? After reading some of these comments, I want to eat a dog out of principle. Last time I went to China, I wimped out and didn't eat any of the lizards, insects, dogs, or cats, but now I think I should have tried some.

[dididangerlove]

06:54 PM on 01/13/2012

You know what you can eat, pal?

[catcancook]

10:36 AM on 01/13/2012

My hubby went to South Korea for business and learned that they actually raise dogs as food.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_meat

[Chipher]

07:07 AM on 01/13/2012

Meanwhile, in the United States, 5,479 dogs were 'euthanized' today ... and tomorrow ... and etc.