Two dogs and one cat were poisoned in Celuk, Gianyar, Bali, according to the Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA). The organization said poisoned chicken heads were found near a rice field in the area.
BAWA urged residents to look after their dogs and to be alert for suspicious people or food left on the ground. They also ask the public to report incidents immediately to BAWA and local authorities.
Laws exist against harming and killing dogs in Bali, but offenders can only be prosecuted if there is evidence, BAWA said.
BAWA added that it receives daily reports of poisoned animals.
Dogs in Bali
Dogs are an important part of Balinese culture and daily life. The island has a large population of free-roaming and owned dogs, many considered family members or part of the community.
However, dogs in Bali also face serious threats, including poisoning, illegal dog meat trade, and abandonment.
Poisoning cases are often linked to attempts to control the stray dog population or criminal activities like dog theft. Despite ongoing efforts by animal welfare groups, cases of dog poisoning continue to be reported.
Illegal dog meat trade
Authorities in Bali are acting against vendors selling dog meat after an investigation revealed that Australian tourists were unknowingly eating it. Despite a ban, sellers in the Jembrana district were still offering dog meat skewers.
During inspections in July 2024, officers seized 500 dog meat skewers and 56kg of raw dog meat from three different vendors.
Animal welfare organization Animals International reported that some street vendors were tricking tourists into eating dog meat. The group also raised concerns about the cruelty of the trade, stating that many dogs are poisoned, strangled, or beaten to death.
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