Bali Travel Forum

hi everybody.i have posted this question in the world forum but with only one reply. so here goes,what is the situation regarding the stray dogs in bali?i have read the relevant internet articles and apparently the issues seem to be being adressed.i am thinking of going there next year but would hate to get there and to see any animal neglect.
i am really interested in seeing and experiencing the culture in bali.
i look forward to your replies.
thankyou and happy travels, laney

What if you saw neglect for human beings there? Would you still go?

Hi,
I don't think, that a cynical reply like yours does anything bring further on that issue.It is no doubt to anybody, that in various countries, not only in Indonesia, peoples welfare is seen rather differently compared to Europe, let alone animal welfare, given, that the animals in discussion aren't primarily used as food.
To my personal opinion it is still better, to start a certain "creature welfare"-consciousness rather with animals, then with cynisism.
Greetings !

Nothing wrong with this question, its one of the effects of poverty that you see in Bali. Check out www.balistreetdogs.com - this is a non profit org who helps the many dogs you see in bali that are neglected.

This is a very difficult question. I have had vacations almost ruined by being exposed to the inhumane treatment of animals. But you know it is pervasive world wide, look at the dreadful exposures recently on the treatment or disregard of “downer” cattle in the U.S. A start perhaps would be to offer a contribution to those in Bali who try to help these dogs. I understand your question and concern very well.

thankyou for the replies. i have decided not to put bali on my itinerary.instead will make a donation to an animal charity there.
laney

Elaine, before you “give up” on Bali altogether I hope you at least read my reply to your question.

As already noted, yes, there are several NGOs in Bali established to help the Bali street dogs. BTW, one of the two varieties of these dogs is now a recognized AKA breed...the so called Kintamani dog. You can Google to read more about this wonderful breed of dog and its history.

Simply put, the Balinese are NOT abusive to their animals...or any life forms for that matter. However, what one can experience is indifference. This indifference is culturally based, specifically, the Balinese Hindu/Dharma which embraces re-incarnation.

In most every compound in Bali, you will find one or more of the two common varieties of Bali dogs...the other one being the more common short hair Bali dog...a direct descendant of the Australian dingo. While fed and watered, these dogs are pretty much left on their own to roam the villages, breed, fight, and do all the activities normally associated with a feral animal. Very rarely will one ever see any of these dogs chained, or walked on a leash, let alone trained. If ill, more often than not, such dogs will not be taken to a vet, although here in Bali there are many veterinarians. Generally this is simply a case of economics, and the reality that such care for a dog is simply not affordable.

Many of the dog NGOs have concentrated their efforts on education and sterilization (neuter), which is offered for free and in order to keep populations of these dogs in a manageable state. In some of the various regencies in Bali, a dog tagging program has been initiated to identify the owners of dogs, as well as any inoculations they may have received. Luckily, rabies is not known in Bali, so rabid dogs are not an issue of concern here.

In coming to Bali, or anywhere else in the world, one cannot project, on any level, their own western culture or ideas. Conversely, any typical Balinese would be shocked to see the level of affection, care, love, and even intimacy, like them sleeping in our beds, or licking our face that we in the West take for granted.

Regardless of your decision to not visit Bali, I applaud your decision to contribute and help support one of the various NGOs in Bali working with the street dogs. While not specifically recommending one over another, I do urge you to contribute to anyone of the NGOs that also include free veterinary services and also include free sterilization.

Cheers, and kind regards from Bali.

Go to Bali and help. Bali is a tremendous place and you would be missing something if you didn't make the trip. There are organizations that do something for stray dogs in Bali, I am sure if you went to one of the more populated areas (Sanur, Kuta, Ubud) you could find an organization that you may want to help. But definitely go.