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Published on March 28, 2008

It is no surprise that people are willing to provide food to street dogs and cats, thinking that they are making merit.

So it's ironic that reports of a widespread virus among cats and dogs have spooked their owners to stampede to abandon their once-beloved pets at temples. While the owners think they are being kind by not killing their pets, they ignore the heavy burden they are lumbering on monks and temple boys.

From now on, these monks and boys may be forced to eat less so that there's enough food for the packs of cats and dogs. They are lucky that, so far, there is no proof of the migration of the virus from animals to humans.

Are they making merit? I consider them committing bad karma as monks should concentrate on the Lord Buddha's teachings rather than tend pets. 

A monk in Ayutthaya now takes care of over 20 cats and 10 dogs. Worried about their health, he was kind enough to ask a veterinarian to come to the temple and inoculate the animals.

Why has nobody thought about sterilising all the strays?

I think this would end all problems. Sterilisation costs much less than a lifetime of food and medicine. Then religious people could donate their money to good deeds like helping poor children who don't have enough to eat, let alone money for their education.

Hold the kudos, please

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been under fire for some time for relaxing rules to favour figures in power.

It was thus a surprise that the SEC on Wednesday announced that it is launching an investigation into PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair who it alleged made an unlawful statement on Monday revealing that listed MCOT had posted a net loss of Bt27 million in January.

But yesterday SEC secretary-general Thirachai Phuvanartnaranubala sprang a counter surprise: he said Jakrapob may not be guilty even though the investigation is not yet finished.

Just when we thought that someone has the guts to uphold the law, we need to think

twice.

achara_d@nationgroup.com

Achara Deboonme

The Nation