FW: (ID) Working together

[Guest guest]

Dani Dani [dani]

08 December, 2008 3:28 PM

info; info; info;

info; RochelleR

Working together

 

Bali has just lost its rabies-free status. In the last week of November,

four human deaths occurred close to Denpasar in Bali; rabies was the

suspected cause of death. However, it is still unclear whether post-mortem

results have confirmed the assumption. Either way the government

immediately responded by commencing a culling program, in the area of

concern, of any street dog that did not appear to have an owner.

Unfortunately, many pet dogs live on the streets here in Bali without any

indication of ownership. To date, Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) is

aware of only one confirmed rabies positive dog in Bali.

 

Bali has maintained a rabies-free status; where as many other parts of

Indonesia experience periodic outbreaks of the disease. Unfortunately, the

Balinese Government has been short-sighted in their decision to not permit

the distribution of the rabies vaccine across Bali and by turning a blind

eye to the illegal importation of animals into Bali. Only one hospital in

Bali maintained minimal stock of the rabies vaccine for human post-exposure

treatment and the government has not allowed any rabies vaccine for pets to

be imported to Bali.

 

With the current rabies concern in Bali, the government is to some extent

easing up on this long held mind-set. The government has commenced a rabies

vaccine program for dogs, however only for dogs in the infected area of

Bali. Sadly, there are still reports of the culling of healthy Bali street

dogs and a poisoning program that has commenced on the beaches in the

tourist area of Kuta. BAWA is trying to form a coalition with other animal

welfare organisations and the Bali Vet Association to lobby the government

to act responsibly and to take a more pragmatic approach.

 

We would like to see the government support a Bali wide vaccination and

de-sexing program for dogs and cats; a public education program about

responsible pet ownership and zoonoses; and to pass the Animal Welfare Laws

that have been sitting in the Indonesian legislation for years. BAWA

currently operate the only 24hr animal ambulance service for all of Bali; an

adoption program for stray puppies and kittens; an animal education program

for schools and a free mobile clinic for animal de-sexing. But like most

welfare organisations we are under-funded and under-staffed.

 

Standing alone, none of us has a loud enough voice, but together we might be

heard.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dani Stokeld

 

Acting Operations Manager

 

--

B.A.W.A

(Bali Animal Welfare Association)

Jl. Monkey Forest 100X, Ubud - Bali 80571, Telp. +62 361 981490 or +62 (0)

811 389 004

www.bawabali.com