Bangkok: Business operators have been warned of severe penalties for violating the Animal Feed Act, as the government intensifies efforts to curb illegal animal feed activities. Authorities have expanded their operations, seizing illegal animal feed worth 5.9 million baht, and are urging the public to report any suspicious activities through the DLD 4.0 app.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy government spokesman, announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is prioritizing the safety of animals by ensuring strict inspection and control over the quality of animal feed. Recently, Cyber Livestock Officers, in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Police Division, conducted a raid on a green warehouse located on Kanchanaphisek Road, Bangkok. This operation was prompted by a complaint received via the DLD 4.0 application regarding the illegal sale of unregistered pet food online. The raid resulted in the seizure of 59 items of controlled pet food, valued at 5,937,734 baht.
The investigation revealed that the warehouse contained various types of pet food, including pellets, wet food, and cat lickable treats, all lacking necessary import permits or registration certificates. This violates the Animal Food Quality Control Act of 2015. Violators face charges under Section 15 for importing specific controlled animal food without a license, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Additionally, under Section 56 (4), selling unregistered animal food carries penalties of 1-5 years imprisonment or a fine ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht, or both. The authorities have secured the evidence and are proceeding with legal actions.
Mr. Anukul emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing animal safety measures, urging public cooperation in reporting any illegal activities through the DLD 4.0 application or local agencies. This initiative aims to bolster consumer confidence and remind business operators of their legal obligations to safeguard animal health and public safety.