Chiang mai: Chiang Mai University (CMU) is spearheading an initiative to establish a comprehensive community dog management model aimed at enhancing the city's appeal as a tourist destination. The project, named 'Dog | Moat | City,' seeks to harmonize the relationship between humans and animals within the tourist-rich old city moat area of Chiang Mai.
According to Thai News Agency, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at CMU is at the forefront of this endeavor, integrating veterinary expertise with a network of local partnerships. The project involves systematic dog registration using a color-coded collar system, provision of health care, rabies vaccinations, and population control. Additionally, it includes communication and awareness campaigns targeting both the local community and tourists. Supported by the CMU High Impact SE Network, the initiative is designed to ensure a sustainable and systematic approach to managing the community dog population.
This innovative model builds on the existing 'MaCMU (CMU Dogs)' program, which the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has been running for over a decade. This program has successfully managed animal care within the university, including registration, health care, and fostering a network of caregivers. By expanding this knowledge base, CMU collaborates with various entities, including the Faculty of Medicine, the InnoMind Lab CMU team, and multiple research institutes, as well as local government, community organizations, and the private sector.
The 'MaCMU (CMU Dog) Project' continues to develop, with its fourth phase focusing on fostering understanding and cooperation within the university community. This phase emphasizes education, animal registration, and effective population control. It also includes measures to accommodate newly arrived animals and plans to expand management activities across different campus zones.
Through projects like 'Dog | City | Town' and 'MaCMU,' Chiang Mai University demonstrates a commitment to applying academic knowledge to address social challenges. These efforts aim to improve public health safety, enhance animal welfare, and foster a balanced coexistence between humans and animals, both within the university and the wider city. Ultimately, this initiative strives to sustainably enhance the quality of life and the image of Chiang Mai province.