I see no point in killing animals just because they may or may not be infected. But, this is happening in Bali right now, ongoing, in an effort to eradicate Rabies on the island. Healthy dogs are being slaughtered senselessly, principally because Rabies is associated with dogs. I suppose it is the Bhuddist in me but, dogs are living creatures and deserve their place on this earth. Okay, the Balinese do not shed love and affection on animals the way Westerners do but they do have respect for them.
Someone on the BaliBlog Forum suggested that immunising the dogs on the island with a Rabies injection is far better than the blatant murder occurring. I, for one, totally agree. A majority of travellers to Bali over the decades have come to accept these dogs as a ‘part of Bali’.
Let’s hope the Balinese Government can understand that there are infected dogs and rightly should be put out of their misery, but, those healthy dogs should be allowed to walk the streets just as they have for a long time.
On another Bali dog matter, I was reading in the Bali Discovery the other day about the renowned Kintamani dog. Apparently, according to the article: Bali’s long-haired Kintamani breed from the cool mountain areas surrounding Lake Batur will soon become the first recognized breed of dog from Indonesia. These sturdy dogs are a breed above the rest on the island and plans are underway to get the breed recognised as a pure-breed dog in Indonesia.
Returning to the subject of street dogs, if you wish to help them in some way then here are a few organisations on the island to check out:
Bali Animal Welfare Association
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Sorry I have to disagree with your line that Balinese have respect for animals. It’s just untrue. The Balinese have no respect for animals at all. It’s regarded as sport by drivers to try and hit dogs. They’re then left to suffer on the sides of the roads afterwards. I watched an old lady recently in Canggu showing her young grandchild how to throw stones at dogs. About 20 Balinese watched, totally unconcerned at this, until we objected.
Then you have the horrendous cock fights, the slow dismembering of animals for sacrifice, the monkeys made to perform on chains, the horses in Kuta (much better now but only because so many tourists complained) and much much more.
But then, once you level the tourism created myth of the peaceful smiling Balinese, they don’t treat other human beings much better either, once they’re away from the cameras.
You are right that increased immunisation may help. Currently dogs are being immunised with poorer quality vaccine (not the more expensive imported variety). Vets are finding that dogs already vaccinated are getting infected with rabies. Please check with reliable sources and they will confirm that the rabies is getting totally out of control. BAWA volunteer supporters are aware of the problems with the local vaccine and the rapidly spreading problem of more and more dogs infected with rabies.
BAWA and others are attempting to get funding and support from the Bali Governor for a program of immunisation using the expensive and effective imported vaccines.In the meantime the culling will continue.
If you are bitten by a rabid dog head straight to SOS on the Bypass as they can assist with your treatment.
Hello Barrie! Thanks for providing a window of Bali for us with your articles, which make us wish we could pop over and enjoy that wonderful place.
My family and I were very enamored with the Balinese and would go back except for the fact that we feel that the Balinese treat animals with such cruelty, indifference and intolerance. Seeing how those unhealthy, worried looking dogs and other animals are abused for sport or total indifference began to gnaw away at our usual hearty appetites and took away our admiration for the Balinese people. Now, If tourists were given the opportunity to contribute towards quality vaccine for dogs, I believe that a program like that would contribute to much greater appreciation for the devotion that the Balinese demonstrate daily with their faith. We in the West have much to learn from them, but the callous treatment of animals is not one.
Please convey to organizations such as BARC and the other animal welfare organizations to print a brochure, asking for donations for vaccinations and request that hotels make these available for tourists. Animal welfare organizations are led by good and well-intentioned people but they need money to care for the dogs they rescue AND educational outreach to schools and their parents. I plan to contribute to BARC and many of my friends would contribute regularly if there were a bona fide program to vaccinate dogs.
Please allow the Bhuddist in you to bring the plight of the animals to also feature in your articles, which we enjoy very much. Best wishes to you and your wife.
Regardless if it is true or not but since long time ago, dog is popular pet and good guard of Balinese Compound.
While appreciating the concerns about dogs it cannot be ignored that “officially” 16 Balinese have already died from rabies and Denpasar’s main hospital is vaccinating over 100 people a day for dog bites for possible rabies. We are able to speak from first-hand as both my wife and son were attacked in Seminyak last week. We were fortunate because of the BIMC in receiving prompt treatment.
Hi Simon,
On what ground did you base your opinion(s) on? I agree, there are better ways in handling the rabies pandemic (so called) in Bali, but such claim as the Balinese have no respect at all towards animals, I find it quite disturbing really. How many Balinese have you known and how long have you been living in Bali or are you one of those tourists who spent their days in Bali and restrict themselves to shopping areas and the hotel’s pool? Also, your claim that the Balinese don’t treat human beings any better. Where did this come from?
Jack,
Put your glasses on and read the article properly. I wrote and quote: “Okay, the Balinese do not shed love and affection on animals the way Westerners do but they do have respect for them.”