Last week we were called to see 3 dogs being kept in cages that were not just small & filthy but inhumane and in any other country, would immediately activate a legal case against the keeper on grounds of cruelty to the dogs.

But laws in Thailand do not prohibit such practices and only through committed endeavours and consultation are results achieved, sometimes with compromise and sometimes with success.

Today was a mixed result.

After very careful discussions with the keeper of these dogs we managed to release 1 of the caged dogs into our care, apparently after being in the cage for nearly 4 years, with only very occasional release but for how long we will never know.

She was very excited and in the careful hands of Khun Nod, she turned from an angry caged monster, pacing from side to side on rotting faeces and shed hair that formed a thick mass under the cage, to a cuddly and affectionate bundle of fluff.

The keeper of these dogs then agreed to open the cage door of the black Labrador dog and he immediately ran around and showed his happiness at being free from his evil cell for a while. He rolled over very submissively to each of us, a worrying sign but he looked in excellent condition.

However, due to his excitement, his penis grew to amazing size and the Bulbus Glandis swelled and his Corona was so enlarged, that we were not quite sure if he has TvT. The Corona or the head of his penis being so gorged with blood and not smooth at all, we were a little concerned.

We will try to get this dog to the vet soon, after we have gained the keepers trust a little more.

The other reward we scored here was to take away the mother of the puppies and next week we shall have her sterilised, after which we shall return her and then sterilise her pups when they are old enough.

The 3rd dog, the Rotti mix, we found still to be locked in her prison cell in another part of this wood working factory area. Poor girl, looked so depressed and in an even worse condition than the fluffy bundle cage. This girl was actually laying on soil (dirt & faeces) and for her size the cage was just so small & inadequate in which to keep a dog of her size for any time.

On approach she seemed extremely submissive and she looked a sorry sight. As we left she made a desperate attempt to appear angry and menacing.

The keeper of these poor dogs has agreed to come to the shelter to visit his released bundle of fluff and after quite a long and controlled discussion about animal welfare, we believe we have introduced the first seeds of awareness which we plan to nurture and help to grow.

There are still dogs at risk here from human ignorance & neglect, we will try to make a difference to their lives the best we can.

Here is a summary of today’s very difficult & emotional events.