Assessment of Increasing Value of Welfare from Solving Stray Dog Problems in Thachang Subdistrict, Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

               Stray dog problems are problems generally found in every area in Thailand. They disturb people in society in aspects of environment, public health, economy, and stray dogs themselves. Thachang subdistrict, Chanthaburi province has also been facing these problems. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to study management form for solving stray dog problems 2) to study problems and preferences of people living in Thachang subdistrict toward stray dog problem solving and 3) to assess value added of welfare from solving stray dog problems in Thachang subdistrict, Chanthaburi province. Secondary data was gathered from involving document and primary data was collected by interviewing units of Thachang subdistrict and interviewing from questionnaire from 420 samples.

               The study results found 3 management forms for solving stray dog problems which were public income measure approach, community dog approach, and stray dog shelter. Results from interviewing the sample group shown that irresponsibility of dog owners was the cause of stray dog. Stray dogs highly disturbed public health. The satisfaction of Thachang subdistrict management toward stray dog problems was at a moderate level. Opinions relating to solving stray dog problems were sorted in the following order arranging birth control, placing stray dog shelter, and vaccinating hydrophobia, respectively the assessment of increasing value of welfare from solving stray dog problems using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) yielded the average of willingness to pay at 133.620 baht/person. The result shown that welfare value was increased to 1,761,111.60 baht.