“Stray Dogs in Cities”: When Stray Dogs Become a Challenge for Developing Sustainable and Livable Urban Areas

Abstract

This article aimed to explore and analyze stray dogs with city relationships as well as the approaches to managing the problem of stray dogs in urban areas. Data were collected through a review of documents, research, policies, laws, strategic plans, and situations related to stray dogs in Thailand. It was found that the development of livable cities to be sustainable involves not only improving the infrastructure and economy of urban populations but also solving the problems of stray dogs which are creatures that coexist with cities. Therefore, stray dogs and cities are a problem for developing cities to be livable with its initial goal of sustainable development in urban areas (SDG Localization). The stray dog problem is complex in terms of structure and mechanisms for the separation of responsibilities and impacts on society in various ways. Based on the survey, it was found that the issue of managing the city’s stray dogs needs to be solved through cooperation between government sectors, local government organizations, civil society organizations, academic sections, and the stakeholders affected by the stray dog problem including those with compassion for stray dogs. Additionally, solving the stray dog problem requires a plan that adapts excellent community dog management models to the urban context ensuring successful and sustainable solutions. As a result, the city becomes livable and sustainable through the management of the stray dog problem.