Suspect faces arson and cruelty charges for setting fire to Molly

In a highly publicised animal cruelty case, a 56-year-old native of Phatthalung province will appear before a Songkhla court this afternoon, for setting fire to ‘Molly’, a Siberian Husky, who later died from severe burns.

The male suspect, identified only as ‘Yao’, faces charges of arson, causing damage to another person’s property and animal cruelty.

Molly’s plight came to light when her owner, Somchai Chanawaran, a resident of Phawong sub-district in Songkhla, filed a police report on February 13th. He said that his 2-year-old female Siberian Husky had escaped from their home.

On February 15, neighbours discovered the dog near a pond in the sub-district with severe injuries. The dog was quickly taken to a veterinary clinic, but tragically succumbed to its injuries and died shortly after.

Following the discovery, police gathered information and visited a site where they believed the attack occurred, which led to the arrest of the suspect.

The story went viral on social media, with netizens condemning the cruelty and expressing their sympathy for Molly.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and criticism from the Thai public. Activists and concerned citizens are calling for the case to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, urging that justice be served and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

The case has ignited public debate over the treatment of animals and has furthered calls for stronger enforcement of animal protection laws in Thailand.

Several international media outlets have also reported on the incident. A reward of around 80,000 baht was offered for information leading to the capture of the person responsible for the attack on Molly.

His Majesty the King sponsored medical treatment for Molly while she was in the animal hospital.

HRH Princess Siribha Chudabhorn has been quoted as saying, on the Siribha Chudabhorn Fund's Facebook page on Sunday, after learning that police had arrested a suspect for allegedly setting fire to Molly: “I was trying to calm myself down, counting from one to a hundred, so I could speak normally because I am extremely angry.”

What the princess fears most is the effectiveness of animal protection laws, as she has seen many cases where the perpetrators have escaped justice. This should not happen in this case.

“I urge the authorities and law enforcement to carry out their duty and uphold this law. Otherwise, tragic incidents like this will continue happening and no one will respect this law anymore. This needs to stop. Please, I beg of you.”

According to police, Yao confessed to dousing the animal with fuel and setting it on fire out of anger and retaliation, after the dog attacked his fighting chickens, which were kept in a cage next to his house.

Meanwhile, Somkid Bu-ngachart, head of "The Hope" animal welfare organisation in Songkhla, noted that Molly's tragic death has raised awareness among pet owners about animal cruelty laws.

"Acts of cruelty, whether intentional or not, including abuse, poisoning, killing or abandonment, are punishable by law," Somkid stated. "Violators can face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both."