ABOUT BALI DOGS

THE HERITAGE BALI DOG 

Did you know the ‘Bali Dog’ is a breed, not just a dog that lives in Bali?

We are here to give you all the details about how damn special, sacred and respected these dogs are to us, and hopefully, you, too, will understand why we work so hard to protect them.

The Bali Dog has lived and roamed the island of Bali for over 12,000 years. Unbelievable right? Well, it’s true. Their DNA has been traced back 12,000 years. They have lived, roamed and integrated with the people, the villages and the community for centuries, yet today; they are destroyed, neglected and thrown away.

“Studies concluded that the Bali dog is the oldest breed of dog known to man. That means the Bali Dog is older than the Australian Dingo, the New Guinea singing dog, and the African wild dog” BAWA, Bali Animal Welfare Association.

Some people (AKA most people) are opting for western breeds due to marketing and public desire. But here’s the thing, people don’t know enough about the Bali Dog to know WHY they should choose it over the ‘purebreds’.

First and foremost – the Bali Dog IS THE PUREST BREED IN THE WORLD!

The ‘Spoodley-Poodley-Doodle’  (I made that up, but I am sure it exists) and all the ‘ ‘purebreds’ we know today are mutant creations by humans. If you want to look at the data, you will see inter-breeding to create all shapes, sizes, temperaments, fur types and so on in the name of HUMAN desire, NOT the natural progress of a breed. Just watch the video below to get a better understanding. If you want more details, scroll to the end and watch the other video links we have provided.

 

The Bali Dog IS pure, untouched, and un-mutanised. The way ‘god’ or whoever created them is the way they are meant to be. Short coats for the humid climate, strong constitution to live and feed off the scraps of the village, natural hunters to feed themselves, territorial to protect their people from intruders and other dogs (they are integral in protecting their village from other dogs entering, such as rabid dogs which is why the vaccination programs are so important, but that’s another discussion altogether).

The Bali Dog is faithful, calm and respectful and has lived in unison with humans forever. They learn from a young age from their parents how to navigate the rice fields, roads and people. They are rarely randomly aggressive. You will often see them asleep in a local warung (restaurants) or on the steps of a temple. Not bothering anyone and not wanting to hurt anything. They are one of the most amazing, beautiful and soulful breeds you will ever have the blessing to meet.

“The Bali dog’s DNA is a mixture of Australian Dingo, Chow-Chow originally from northern China, and Akita, a large Spitz breed of dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. This inbuilt and hitherto protected genetic diversity makes the Bali dog strong. It can survive on the streets in the harshest of conditions without the veterinary attention needed like western breeds.

The integrity of the Bali dog was protected for centuries until a law prohibiting the import of dogs to Bali was lifted in 2004. Since then, breed dogs have become fashionable. Bali’s heritage dog is now threatened with extinction as a unique breed through a combination of crossbreeding, mass culling and the terrible dog meat trade.

The Balinese people have a very special and cultural relationship with their dogs, even though this is sometimes seen by outsiders as not humane. Balinese society is highly spiritual and can be superstitious. Many people believe the Bali dog will alert people to the unseen presence of “spirits” – both good and bad.” BAWA, Bali Animal Welfare Association

Putih a rescued dog by Mission Pawsible - Dog Rescue, Rehome, & Adoption in Bali.

ANIMAL SACRIFICE

Hinduism came to Bali 1,200 – 1,500 years ago, with most Hindus in Bali believing that ignoring the caru (animal sacrifice) will bring catastrophe and/or chaos. The Resi Gana cannot take place without the sacrifice of a specific dog: The balang bungkem, a red-furred and black-mouthed dog. 

Ida Pedanda Made Gunung, a High Priest for Balinese Hindu Community, says:

“According to Manawa Dharmasastra, animals that are sacrificed in such ceremonies will be incarnated into higher level in the next life. And people who sacrifice those animals also will have higher level in the next life because they help them to get a better life in the next”

Source: Earth Storiez

Puppies who are brown in colour with a black muzzle are called “Blang Bungkem” are sacrificed in a belief they are appealing the demons and negative forces of the universe (they believe by giving the demons an animal sacrifice they will leave the humans alone). What is even sadder is that most younger generations of Balinese we have spoken to are not aware of why they must make these sacrifices, or of what purpose it serves in their religion, they are doing what their grandparents and great-grandparents have done for generations.

Slowly people are starting to question their religion and find new, less cruel ways to appease the demons, however, there is still a long way to go.” BARC

RECAP ABOUT THE ‘BALI DOG’ BREED

The Bali Dog is indigenous to Bali. Their DNA can be traced back 12,000 years, originating from the Australian Dingo and Asian Wolf.

Temperament: Bali Dogs are intelligent, alert, and friendly, although slightly conservative. They are never overly shy or aggressive. At home, they are an excellent watchdog, sounding a warning bark to announce the arrival of any stranger. They is protective of their home and family, although they do not threaten to bite or attack people. Bali Dogs learn new tasks quickly and are eager to please.

Coat: Short-haired for the tropical climate. Sheds yearly.
Colours: Black, White, Brindle, Mix
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

Resources:

Learn About ‘Pedigree’ Dogs:

The Purebred Crisis: How dogs are being deformed in the name of fashion

The Dog Factory

 

About the Bali Dog Heritage:

For more information about the DNA studies on Bali dogs, visit http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2156/6/6 and also here, Genetic Variation

INDONESIAN WELFARE LAWS

Indonesian animal welfare laws aim to protect animals from cruelty and promote their well-being. These laws typically cover aspects such as animal cruelty, neglect, and appropriate treatment in various settings, including farms, laboratories, and households.

However, despite the existence of these laws, their implementation is often hindered by several factors:

1. Lack of Enforcement: One of the primary reasons for the limited implementation of animal welfare laws in Indonesia is the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms. Law enforcement agencies may lack the resources, training, or motivation to enforce these laws adequately.

2. Cultural and Economic Factors: Indonesia’s cultural and economic landscape may prioritise human welfare over animal welfare. Additionally, traditional practices or industries reliant on animals, such as farming, may resist changes that would increase the welfare standards for animals due to perceived economic impacts.

3. Limited Awareness and Education: Many Indonesians may not be fully aware of animal welfare issues or the importance of treating animals humanely. This lack of awareness can lead to indifference or apathy towards enforcing animal welfare laws.

4. Corruption and Political Instability: Corruption within regulatory bodies or government agencies responsible for overseeing animal welfare can undermine enforcement efforts. Political instability may also divert attention and resources away from animal welfare issues.

5. Inadequate Legislation: Some critics argue that existing animal welfare laws in Indonesia are inadequate or outdated, failing to address the full range of issues affecting animals or lacking specific provisions for enforcement.

Overall, addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved enforcement mechanisms, public education campaigns, collaboration between government agencies and animal welfare organisations, and potentially revisiting and updating existing legislation to better align with contemporary understanding and standards of animal welfare.

PLEASE NOTE: The following is the legislation and the threat of punishment for some breed of animal welfare that commonly occurs.

1. The practice of violence in the Society, including beatings, stabbings, strangulation, and disposal of animals. The PENAL CODE section 302; 406; 335; 170; 540. a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. The legislation on animal health and Husbandry No.18 Year 2009, article 66 and 67.

2. Housing and Chains Include a cage that is not feasible, water shortages or food; mismanagement; torture. The PENAL CODE section 302; 406; 540; 335. the maximum punishment of two years in prison. The legislation on animal health and Husbandry No.18 Year 2009, article 66 and 67.

3. Murder in the poisoning of dogs and the Including carried out actions at the request of the community or the Government. The PENAL CODE section 302; 406; 335; 170. the maximum punishment is 12 years in prison. The legislation on animal health and Husbandry No.18 Year 2009, article 66.

4. Theft of Dogs Includes the advantage of financial motives or ransom. CRIMINAL CODE, article 362; 363; 406; 480; 481; 335; 365. the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

5. Dog Fight Organized. Article 241 of the CRIMINAL CODE; 302; 406; 170 / maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. The legislation on animal health and Husbandry No.18 Year 2009, article 66 and 67.

6. The dog meat trade differs Article charged to the supplier, the seller and the buyer. Article 241 of the CRIMINAL CODE; 302; 362; 363; 406; 335; 170; 480; 481; 204; 205. the maximum punishment is life imprisonment. The legislation on animal health and Husbandry No.18 Year 2009, article 66 and 67. Chapter 13, sections 86 and 87.

Up to now, the Act is still in effect but, unfortunately, is rarely used. Is it because of the few who knows? So, let’s protect the rights of animal life – both in the wild as well as in the surrounding environment.

 

SOURCE: INDONESIAN LAW LINK HERE AND HERE
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Shining Shuma
Initial research and simplification of interpretation of Indonesian Animal Welfare Law conducted by BAWA