The disturbing discovery was made by a neighbour yesterday, who quickly informed the authorities.
Officials and police soon arrived and rescued the dog, which was handed over to the Soi Dog Foundation for care. Two other dogs at the house, in Soi Suksan 1, were also taken into care by the Soi Dog Foundation.
Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Rungrit Rattanaphakdi confirmed to The Phuket News that the owner of the dogs now under investigation for the incident was Franck Bernard Marie Bayard, 61, a French passport holder.
Pol Col Rungrit also confirmed that Bayard is now facing charges under Thailand’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Provision of Welfare for Animals Act B.E. 2557.
Punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding 40,000 baht, or both.
Under the Act, those found guilty of abusing or neglecting animals can face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to B40,000, or both.
Pol Col Rungrit declined to confirm whether Bayard was still in police custody, but did confirm that officers had already questioned him.
“He believed his dog was dead, so he buried it. However, after questioning, he eventually admitted his guilt and was charged,” was all Pol Col Rungrit would comment on the questioning of Bayard.
Pol Col Rungrit gave no explanation of why Bayard thought the dog was dead, or whether Bayard showed any visible signs of emotional distress.
Rawai Municipality Mayor Thames Kraitat, who was at the house yesterday, described the incident as deeply upsetting.
“As a dog lover, I felt very sad,” he said. “However, I do not want to accuse him of doing it intentionally. He told me he believed the dog was already dead and wanted to bury it.
“His face looked quite sad. But whether that regret was real, or whether he truly believed the dog had died ‒ I think only the police investigation will be able to clarify that,” Mr Thames said.