In a distressing incident from a Bangkok suburb, more than two dozen chihuahuas were found trapped inside a house, surviving for days by eating their deceased owner's body. The owner, 62-year-old Attapol Charoenpithak, had passed away from medical complications related to diabetes and hypertension, leaving the chihuahuas confined without access to food or water.
Authorities discovered the tragic scene after Attapol's neighbor, Sompong Phasuksri, noticed that his car had been stationary for several days. Sompong, who regularly saw Attapol drive to the market, became concerned when the car remained unmoved and no one answered the door despite the lights being on inside. He reported his concerns to the police, who responded to investigate.
Upon entering the home, Thai police were met with a grim sight—garbage strewn across the house and chihuahua excreta covering the floor. The dogs had clearly been left unattended for days. After finding Attapol's body, the authorities contacted the Voice Foundation, a local animal rescue group, to intervene and save the chihuahuas.
A total of 28 chihuahuas were rescued, but sadly, two had already succumbed to starvation and dehydration. “Initially, reports indicated that around 15 chihuahuas were gathered near the owner's body, but when our team arrived, we found the dogs scattered throughout the house, with two having already passed away,” the Voice Foundation shared on social media.
The foundation released a video showing the frightened chihuahuas, mostly a mix of Chihuahua and Shih Tzu breeds, being carefully removed from the home. “All 28 surviving siblings have been taken to the hospital to receive medical care, treatment, and spaying before we begin the process of finding them new homes,” the foundation said in a follow-up statement.
The dogs, facing severe malnutrition, had reportedly survived by consuming part of their owner’s body, specifically his left leg. This harrowing detail highlights the desperation the animals endured while trapped in the house.
Supawadee Srithassanakarn, a leader of the rescue team, noted that Attapol had previously agreed to relinquish the chihuahuas to the charity following complaints about their welfare. Attapol had been observed driving around with the dogs in cages, raising concerns among animal welfare groups about the conditions the pets were living in, particularly the risk of heat exposure.
The Voice Foundation has since issued a public appeal for donations, asking for help to cover the costs of caring for the chihuahuas. "These dogs were severely weakened due to the lack of food and water," the charity stated, urging the community to assist with the rehabilitation process and help find homes for the rescued animals.
