From the stunning coastlines and perfectly tropical waters to the warm culture of the Balinese, Bali is a true traveller’s dream. Yet, behind the postcard-perfect island lies the problem of stray dogs in Bali.
Stray dogs in Bali are impossible not to notice and can be intimidating if you come across an angry or aggressive dog. However, there’s much more to the story than first meets the eye. Dogs are an integral part of Balinese culture, and Western travellers often misinterpret the relationship between man and dog.
To set things right, we take a deeper look at the ins and outs of dogs in Bali culture, how the stray dog population is managed, and what you can do to help stray dogs in Bali.
Why are there so many stray dogs in Bali?
To answer this question, it’s important to recognize that a dog’s role in Balinese culture is much different from a dog’s role in the Western context. We’ll go more in-depth on this later; however, just because a dog doesn’t have a specific owner does not necessarily mean it is a stray. In fact, it’s estimated that around 90% of dogs roaming freely in Bali are not homeless.
Even so, when you visit Bali, it’s hard not to notice the many stray dogs roaming the streets, many of which may seem unhealthy or aggressive. Most compounds in Bali have around 5 to 6 dogs, and larger properties will have even more. These dogs aren’t necessarily pets and instead protect the compound from a range of different threats, from unwanted visitors to poisonous snakes. Top this with low sterilisation rates, and it’s easy to see how the Bali dog population continues to grow and grow. Luckily, multiple organisations are helping to make sterilisation more accessible and take in the truly stray dogs.
What is the role of dogs in Bali?
As mentioned before, dogs in Bali have a much different relationship with humans than in Western culture. It’s much more of a mutually beneficial relationship and is a set part of Balinese life. Stray dogs, or the politically correct term of Bali Dogs, both warn their family when spirits enter the compound and when other threats are present. It’s even believed that Bali Dogs have specific barks for each type of threat, and family members can easily distinguish between them. One of the most important threats they keep watch for is snakes. As snakes are known to attack chickens and eat their eggs, which are a vital source of food for Balinese, dogs must warn their family when one is on the property.
In addition to this, Bali Dogs significantly reduce the food waste on the island. Eating food scraps from piles of trash and scouring down food offerings that are a large part of Balinese life keeps the rotting food waste to a minimum. This, in turn, reduces the potential for rats and snakes to find their way into the compound spread disease and destroy crops. As the relationship between land, farmer, and dog is so well-formed in Bali, removing dogs would not only hugely impact the Balinese culture but would also upset the fragile ecosystem of the island.
Do stray dogs in Bali have rabies?
Firstly, as a refresher, rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect both animals and humans. It usually enters the body via wounds, such as a dog bite, then travels up the nerves to the central nervous system. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several years for symptoms to start appearing, and once they do, they’ll likely be very similar to those of the flu with weakness, fever, and a headache. As time goes on, symptoms become more severe with hallucinations, insomnia, and delirium. Then, once it reaches the brain, rabies is almost always fatal.
Bali was actually rabies-free until late 2008 when it was introduced from a neighbouring island. Then, due to a lack of immunisation, it spread quickly around the island and has since killed over 120 people and thousands of dogs. During this period, Bali Dogs changed in the eye of tourists and went from a slight nuisance to a creature to fear, and unfortunately, even though rabies is now much rarer in Bali, the bad rap has not changed.
With multiple organisations aiding to provide rabies shots to dogs, the prevalence of rabies in dogs has decreased dramatically in the past ten years. Dogs that have been vaccinated will have a red collar or red tag, so it’s easy to discern which to be extra wary of. Although, do keep in mind that many dogs that have been vaccinated still don’t wear a collar.
Now, the likelihood of getting bit by a dog with rabies is relatively low. However, getting your rabies shot before visiting is still recommended, especially if you have young children who may not understand that Bali Dogs are not pets.
Would you like to volunteer to assist Bali’s dogs?
Numerous organisations require assistance in various capacities. Depending on your duration of stay in Bali, you could foster a dog, volunteer at a dog rescue centre, or contribute your time at a retail outlet affiliated with a dog rescue centre.
Before committing to volunteer work with stray dogs in Bali, there are a few considerations. Ensure you’ve received your rabies vaccination, as many organisations mandate this for volunteers working with animals. Understand the nature of the work. Many rescued dogs require extensive care, and witnessing their plight can be emotionally challenging. Some volunteer tasks may not involve direct interaction with the dogs. You might find yourself assisting in a retail setting, aiding with social media efforts, or soliciting donations.
Even if your time in Bali is limited, there are still numerous ways to contribute. Keep an eye out for products that support dog rescue centres, and if feasible, consider making a monetary donation directly to an organisation. Some groups even offer virtual adoption programs, where your donations assist in the care, feeding, and sterilisation of a dog in need.
