Nakhon Ratchasima—
At 9:00 AM, on January 27th, 2024, the Royal Thai Army Animal Department held an auction of 54 retired or not qualified dogs to enthusiastic individuals at the Military Dog Centre Club, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima.
All dogs passed the Puppy Training Program by the military with good characteristics. Many enthusiastic individuals registered for the auction or were interested in watching the cuteness of Labradors, German Shepherds, and Marinois, with a total of 54.
The starting bid price was 1,500 to 2,000 baht with a 100 baht increase per bid. The participants needed to bring their own leash and pen for transportation.
Col. Jirawat Maksap, the Commander of the military dog center with The Animal Department of the Royal Thai Army, publicly revealed that the trained dogs were sterilized and vaccinated. Although the dogs had a bond with the breeders and trainers, by their nature, these dogs could adapt to a new owner and environment, said Col. Jirawat.
“The dogs in the auction were not qualified for military service due to certain body conditions and characteristics such as their body weight, lack of wit and enthusiasm, or unable to respond to commands. They tended to have a cuter side than a formidable side, however, they were well-trained and graduated from the Puppy Training Program,” remarked Col. Jirawat.
At present, the Military Dog Centre Club in Nakhon Ratchasima, has more than 700 military dogs in service. Their main duties were to perform military operations such as explosive detections, rescue missions, drug searches, and crime prevention, stated Col. Jirawat.
The auction followed military regulations and the revenue would be spent on food, veterinary bills, and other miscellaneous costs, according to Col. Jirawat.
The highest bid was 95,000 baht, a Labrador, noted Thai media.
