Dog protection networks led by the Soi Dog Foundation has submitted a petition with more than 1.5 million signatures to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) and the Court of Justice, calling for stiffer penalties against animal welfare offenders.
"We are hoping to raise awareness with the OAG, as the cases brought so far have resulted in very minor punishments,'' said John Dalley, the director of the Phuket-based Soi Dog Foundation.
Mr Dalley submitted the petition Tuesday to Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, deputy spokesman of the OAG, calling for tougher action against dog smuggling and dog abuse.
He said stiffer maximum sentences are needed to force smugglers to abandon the illegal dog trade.
Mr Kosolwat, on behalf of the OAG, said prosecutors are willing to do their bit.
"Since the Animal Welfare Act was enacted last year, we put more focus on animal welfare, particularly in the case of cruelty,'' Mr Kosolwat said.
In some dog abuse cases, the OAG has appealed to regional courts to impose maximum fine and jail terms, without parole.
The OAG's deputy spokesman said prosecutors also routinely share information regarding animal welfare and abuse through a Line application.
The Soi Dog Network has been working with WatchDog Thailand in filing lawsuits against dog meat smugglers and traders, sources said.
Under the current law, those found guilty of animal cruelty could face up to two years' imprisonment and/or a 40,000 baht fine.
