BANGKOK – Anger is spreading fast across Thailand after a 2-year-old Siberian Husky turned up badly burned in what many believe was a deliberate attack. People say someone poured gasoline on the dog and set her on fire.
The female Siberian Husky, named Molly by her family, went missing from her home in Mueang district, Songkhla province, around February 12. Over the next few days, her owner posted online and searched for her nonstop. Then, on February 15, locals found Molly lying near a roadside with extensive burns across much of her body.
Witness accounts and veterinary checks point to an intentional act. Vets said the burns were extremely deep, with damage reaching muscle, large areas of dead tissue, and signs of infection, including sepsis.
Molly’s owner, 52-year-old Somchai Chanawanno, rushed her to a local veterinary clinic right away. Soon after, he moved her to the animal hospital at Prince of Songkla University for specialized care. Veterinarians called her condition critical. They reported open, oozing wounds, severe dehydration, high inflammation, and little ability to eat.
Right now, Molly’s care includes daily wound cleaning, antibiotics, antiseptic ointments, and close monitoring in a sterile setting. Doctors expect a long recovery, possibly months, because damaged skin must slowly regrow.
Somchai has filed an official complaint with Mueang Songkhla Police Station. The Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT), a well-known animal welfare group, is also supporting the case.
Police say they are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas, including around Ban Laem Kwan, where the attack reportedly happened late at night. Investigators say they have leads and expect progress soon.
Online reaction has been intense. Thousands of people have shared photos and videos of Molly’s injuries and demanded the strongest punishment available under Thailand’s animal cruelty laws.
Many posts call for stricter enforcement and tougher penalties, saying fines or short sentences don’t stop repeat abuse. This case has also renewed concern about ongoing animal cruelty in Thailand, including cases involving pets and stray animals.
Similar Case to Siberian Husky in Northern Thailand
A separate case in Lampang province drew national attention in August 2025. Police arrested three teenagers, all 14, after they set a disabled black dog on fire inside an abandoned bathroom at Wat Phra That Lampangluang temple.
The teens recorded the act and shared it online, which triggered swift public backlash and led to their arrest. Reports said the dog, already injured before the attack, suffered badly as it tried to hide and then caught fire.
While officials have not linked that case to Molly’s, the two incidents have increased calls for better education and stronger laws across the country.
Local news outlets have covered Molly’s story closely, which has added to public pressure. The Chiang Rai Times has also reported on animal cruelty in northern provinces, including neglect and abuse that many people say never gets reported. That coverage often urges communities to speak up quickly when animals are at risk.
Public Pressure and Demands for Action
Social media users and animal welfare supporters have pushed several key demands:
- Seek the maximum penalty under the Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision of Animal Welfare Act.
- Treat the attack as extreme cruelty, with intent to kill.
- Share donation links to help pay for Molly’s medical care.
- Support awareness efforts to reduce abuse and improve reporting.
Advocates say Thailand has improved animal welfare laws since 2014. Still, they argue enforcement varies widely, especially outside major cities. Groups such as Watchdog Thailand want stronger consequences for severe cases, including higher fines, mandatory jail time, and public records for offenders.
For now, Molly remains under intensive veterinary care. Her story has brought many people together in grief and anger, and it has also strengthened calls for lasting change.
For updates on the Siberian Husky’s health and the police investigation, follow local news and animal welfare organizations. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Mueang Songkhla Police.
