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This video was recorded in October 2007 at Wat Gaset Mai, near Mae Jo, just north of Chiang Mai city. The monk in this video, who was visiting the temple that day, approached us and just started talking about the real problem that all temples face, people dumping dogs and expecting the monks and nuns to cope with the growing problem.

Dogs are dumped at and find refuge in and around temples

There are over 350 Temples in Chiang Mai, some of them have large numbers of dogs & puppies. Often the temple grounds are spread out over large areas and the dogs live in packs at various locations in and around the grounds.

As can be seen from the video, some of the dogs are very friendly, socialised and looking for affection. Sadly others are just so scared of humans and rarely come near. Some are timid and scared of the other dogs and they are the last to get any food, despite our attempts to ensure food is distributed to all the dogs.

The dogs with colourful collars are typically those that have recently visited the Care for Dogs shelter for sterilisation or some other treatment. They soon lose their collars but that doesn’t stop us recognising long term residents from newcomers.

If you feel sad watching this, we understand your feelings. To see dogs in these numbers just hanging around waiting for the next car to come, either to dump more, bringing the hope of food or even attention, is the reality of their desperate lives.

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