Section 379 — Failing to dispose of dead animals
English translation
Whoever, being the owner or possessor of a dead animal, fails to burn or bury the animal properly, or to remove it beyond the area where the public may suffer trouble or nuisance, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand baht.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This petty offence imposes a positive duty on the owner or possessor of a dead animal. The elements are (1) being the owner or possessor of a dead animal, and (2) failing either to burn or bury it properly, or to remove it beyond the area where the public may suffer trouble or nuisance. Unlike the preceding provision, which punishes the act of dumping a carcass in public, this section punishes the keeper's omission to deal with a dead animal in his charge. It is a fine-only offence.
Why this matters in practice
Penalty exposure is only a fine of up to 5,000 baht. The decisive questions are whether the accused was in fact the owner or possessor of the dead animal and whether disposal was reasonable in the circumstances. Prompt and proper disposal, or removal from where the public could be affected, is a complete answer to a complaint under this section.
Frequently asked questions
Who is liable under Section 379?
The owner or possessor of a dead animal who does not burn or bury it properly, or move it away from where the public may be troubled, is liable to a fine of up to 5,000 baht.
How does Section 379 differ from Section 378?
Section 378 punishes dumping a carcass in a public space, while Section 379 punishes the owner or keeper who fails to dispose of a dead animal properly.