One To Seven

Bali has a human population of about 4 million and approximately 600,000 dogs, down from an estimated one million ten years ago, thanks to a population management program.

Bali dogs are unique. A 2004 genetics study by the University of California, Davis, revealed that they were probably established in Bali 12,000 years ago when it became isolated from Java. They are the most genetically diverse dogs in the world. Their closest relatives being the Chow Chow, Australian Dingo and Akita. Until recently there has been no influence by European breeds.

Many of Bali's street dogs are starving, malnourished or in poor health. Newly born puppies, especially females, are often dumped in the street to die. Many dogs live with serious, untreated injuries from traffic accidents.

Infected wounds, often infested with maggots, are common; as are skin and internal parasites, Parvo virus, distemper, broken legs, dislocated joints and a sexually transmitted cancer called genital sarcoma. All of these can be treated, but most Balinese do not seek treatment for sick or wounded animals, even if they are pets.

Because Bali street dogs are by nature feral, BAWA believes that when at all possible older street dogs should be treated and left on the streets. Wounded dogs are brought to the clinic, treated and when healed released back to where it was found. There is an adoption program for puppies.

The long term solution to Bali's street dog issue is population management and education.

Street Feeding

Because BAWA's policy is to leave mature street dogs where they are found, we have a program of providing food to dogs which are otherwise not being fed regularly. Staff and volunteers prepare up to 50 meals a day and deliver them to areas where underfed dogs are known to live. Nutritious, low-cost cooked meals consist of rice, rice germ, eggs, tofu, vegetables and a little meat mixed with dry dog food.