[Editor: This article was sent to us by a teacher at International School Bangkok in Thailand, and written by one of her students]

Is this the way to treat man’s best friend? Neglecting and abusing innocent dogs and cats? A huge problem exists here in Thailand with an estimated 500,000 plus dogs living on the streets of Bangkok alone!

Many of these dogs have had to endure abuse and neglect for their entire life. While others have been discarded like the trash, thrown out on the streets by their owners to fend for themselves. Many of these animals suffer from malnutrition and disease.

There is hope however…a wonderful non-profit agency called Soi Dog. Soi Dog combs the streets of Thailand searching for dogs and cats in need of care. Many of these dogs come to live at the Soi Dog shelters scattered throughout Thailand. Recently these shelters have become heavily overcrowded due to the overpopulation problem and illegal dog meat trade.

The goal of Soi Dog is first to sterilize as many dogs as possible, thus reducing further street dog overpopulation. Second, and the most critical focus of Soi Dog currently is rescuing the many dogs that are being smuggled across Thailand’s borders to be sold, tortured and killed for their meat.

Soi Dog has already reached a milestone as of March 2013 in which they have sterilized over 49,000 dogs and cats here in Thailand…Amazing! Many of their other objectives are to treat sick and injured animals that would be left to die on the streets, re-home suitable animals to adoptive homes here in Thailand as well as abroad. In addition, they feed animals that would otherwise starve and educate local communities about animal welfare.

My family and I are very passionate about this organization and helping these neglected animals. Even at thirteen years of age I am proud to say I am making a positive change. I have helped to provide food and love to those soi dogs around me and visit the local vet with my mom to provide necessary medical care to the many sick dogs. Remember, you too, can do your part. Innocent animals need our help. These dogs have no voice, so we must speak for them, they have no control, so we must intervene, they have nothing, so we must help them.

[Adapted from original article on Blog here]