justin mott | wildlife photojournalist | street dog sanctuary - Thailand

A Sanctuary for Street Dogs in Phuket

Nestled in a quiet village near a rubber tree plantation in Phuket, Thailand, the Soi Dog Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for stray and abandoned animals. This non-profit sanctuary, founded in 2003 by British couple John and Gill Dalley, has been at the forefront of street dog rescue and animal welfare in Southeast Asia.

Although Gill Dalley passed away in 2017, her legacy endures through the foundation’s life-saving efforts. Her presence is immortalized in a large statue standing beside the foundation’s veterinary hospital, a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping animals in need. John Dalley continues their shared mission, ensuring that the foundation remains a sanctuary for thousands of street dogs and cats.

A Mission to End Animal Cruelty in Asia

The Soi Dog Foundation is dedicated to:

• Improving the welfare of street dogs and cats in Asia through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption.

• Eliminating animal cruelty and advocating for a society free of homeless animals.

• Combatting the dog meat trade in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and other regions where it persists.

• Providing large-scale spay/neuter and vaccination programs to control the stray animal population.

Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Adoption: The Heart of Soi Dog’s Work

Each year, Soi Dog Foundation performs tens of thousands of sterilization and vaccination procedures, reaching far beyond Phuket into Bangkok and other Thai provinces. Their work has been instrumental in nearly eradicating the dog meat trade in Thailand while continuing to fight for its abolition across Asia.

The foundation is home to approximately 800 dogs and 200 cats, many of whom arrive suffering from:

• Severe injuries caused by traffic accidents or human cruelty.

• Neglect-related conditions such as malnutrition and skin diseases.

• Paralysis and mobility issues, requiring intensive physiotherapy.

A dedicated team of full-time veterinarians, physiotherapists, caretakers, and dog behaviorists work tirelessly to rehabilitate these animals, preparing them for adoption both locally and internationally.

Tourists & Volunteers: A Global Community Supporting Street Dogs

Every day, visitors from around the world arrive at Soi Dog Foundation to volunteer, walk the dogs, and provide affection to animals who have known only suffering. Many of the foundation’s full-time staff members first came as volunteers and chose to stay, drawn by their passion for animal welfare.

The foundation thrives because of these dedicated individuals—people who see past the trauma and recognize the resilience of the dogs they care for.

The Role of Wildlife Photojournalism in Animal Welfare

As a wildlife photojournalist, my goal is to shed light on the human-animal connection and the impact of conservation and rescue efforts. By documenting the work of organizations like the Soi Dog Foundation, I aim to:

• Raise awareness about the struggles and triumphs of street dog rescue.

• Highlight the heroes—from veterinarians to volunteers—who dedicate their lives to saving animals.

• Inspire action, encouraging support for responsible pet ownership, adoption, and ethical animal welfare practices.

A Continuing Story of Compassion and Hope

This chapter of my Kindred Guardians project is an ongoing testament to the remarkable individuals working to change the fate of stray animals in Asia. Their resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication make them true guardians of animal welfare.

Follow My Photography Journey

For more behind-the-scenes stories and insights into my work as a wildlife photojournalist, follow my journey on Instagram and YouTube, where I document global conservation and animal welfare efforts.