Police Hunting Down Motorist Who 'Killed Stray Dog For Barking'

BANGKOK — Police say they are looking for the motorist who shot and killed a stray dog because it was barking at his car.

Panita Sunthornrat, a 45-year-old resident in Thonglor district of Bangkok, told police today that the stray dog was shot near Imperial Ladprao shopping mall on the night of 13 January.

Panita said the nine-year-old dog was nicknamed "Sue Bue" by locals residents, who often gave her food. She was not an "aggressive" animal, Panita said.

According to Panita, Sue Bue barked at a passing car on 13 January. The gesture somehow prompted the driver to stop the car, step out of the vehicle, fire two shots at the dog, and drive away, Panita said.

The dog later died at an animal hospital. 

Panita urged police to identify and prosecute the motorist with the newly-enacted animal welfare act, which was passed by the junta's interim parliament in November 2014. Under the law, those found guilty of animal cruelty face up to two years in prison and a 40,000 baht fine.  

Roger Lohanan, director of Association for Protection of Animals Thailand, accompanied Panita to the police station and told the officers that he hoped they would quickly apprehend the suspect because the incident is a "serious instance of animal cruelty."

"It should be an example case to show that perpetrators will be punished," Roger said. 

Police say they are studying CCTV footage in the area to look for the suspect.