Experts in animal welfare are urging for stricter measures to be taken against the trafficking of wildlife in Thailand, following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of over 1,000 animals in the pet section of Bangkok’s renowned Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Reports indicate that a variety of animals, including puppies, cats, fish, snakes, swans, cockatoos, and rabbits, perished in the blaze that engulfed approximately 1,300 square meters of the market early on Tuesday morning.
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The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, as stated by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.
Initial findings suggest that the fire, which destroyed around 118 shops, may have been triggered by an electrical malfunction, according to police superintendent Phuwadon Ounpho.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, a major attraction in south-east Asia drawing tourists worldwide with its diverse range of products, suffered a significant loss due to the tragic incident.
View image in fullscreenA pet shop owner assesses the aftermath of the fire. Photograph: Sakchai Lalit/AP
Conservationists have criticized the market’s pet section for selling endangered species and maintaining substandard living conditions for animals. Despite previous denials from vendors regarding any legal violations.
Lek Chailert, the Founder of Save Elephant Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced animal welfare standards and breeding regulations in light of the recent fire. “It is crucial to investigate how these animals were subjected to such appalling conditions,” she stated.
She further urged the government to take transparent action and enforce regulations on the breeding and sale of wild animals in markets, emphasizing the importance of clear laws governing international animal trade and safeguarding animal welfare in Thailand.
View image in fullscreenAnimal enclosures destroyed in the fire. Photograph: Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters
Edwin Wick, the founder and director of the Friends of Wildlife Foundation, condemned the market as “a disgrace to the city of Bangkok.”
“The unethical and often illegal sale of animals at this market has been allowed to persist for too long. We urge the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to take immediate action to halt the sale of animals, particularly wild species, at this location,” Wick emphasized.
2024-06-11 23:31:06
Article from www.theguardian.com