Although locals often hardly seem fazed by Bangkok’s stray dogs, many people consider them a menace, or even a health hazard.

As well as being carriers of rabies or other harmful diseases, stray dogs also dig around in garbage and discard their waste. If you happen to live in an area with many stray dogs, their incessant howling can cause sleepless nights, and is especially problematic for families with children.

While many people believe stray dogs need caring for, the number of strays is rising amid a general increase in dog ownership, according to Dr Wanthanee Wattana, deputy director of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Department of Disease Control (DDC).

Wanthanee said a BMA survey in 1999 revealed that 600,000 dogs were owned by Bangkok residents, while there were 100,000 stray dogs at that time. By 2004, these numbers had risen to 700,000 and 300,000, respectively.

“The number of stray dogs has grown rapidly due to natural reproduction, and due to people abandoning their pets,” Wanthanee said.

Wanthanee said the BMA has a special unit scouring the city’s streets for stray dogs to be neutered, while another is responsible for locating stray dogs causing annoyance to residents.

At one time, these strays would have been sent to a small home for stray dogs located in Prawet district. But the rapid growth in numbers prompted the BMA to build a bigger center at Uthai Thani province’s Thap Tan district, 250 kilometers northwest of from Bangkok.

Wanwilai Phromlakkhanon, Bangkok deputy city clerk, said the home, located on a 231-rai plot, is made up of 16 buildings, each of which can accommodate up to 500 dogs.

While work on the center began in December 2003 and was completed by December 2005, the center had already begun accepting stray dogs by June of that year. It now accommodates more than 2,700 dogs.

While there were initial concerns the center might not be able to maintain good levels of cleanliness and sanitation, a survey has revealed that the center’s cleaning schedule is comprehensive and it also boasts good ventilation. There are 85 members of staff working at the center, who also do gardening work to improve the general environment.

The center’s veterinarian, Dr Prinya Phavaphutayanchai, says all dogs at the center are neutered, as well as receiving regular medical checks, and vaccinations. He said the dogs are fed once a day, and foods were selected to ensure they receive a diet tailored to their needs. He said most dogs appear skinny on arrival but tend to appear healthier within a matter of weeks.

Thirty-five-year-old Somchai Chuarkasikram, a member of staff at the home, said most workers begin their cleaning duties at about 8 am. Then specially-trained members of staff spend an hour providing training to the fitter and more gifted animals.