Bali Street Dog Newsletter
November Edition 2007
Hello, Bonjour, Selamat, Hola, G’day!
Welcome to our first monthly e-newsletter for Yudisthira—Bali Street Dog Foundation. You are probably reading this because of your generous support through our street stall that has been on the street in Kuta for the last two months. From all the staff at Yudisthira—Bali Street Dog Foundation we offer our biggest thanks for your help in controlling the street dog population of Bali.
Yudisthira—Bali Street Dog Foundation, is the original and only foundation that is working in Bali on population control. You should feel proud that your contribution and support has directly helped in the prevention of thousands of new dogs being born into a life of disease and suffering.
There is close to a million street dogs on this beautiful island that we call Bali. Through the success of our mobile spay/neuter clinic, the tourist areas of Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua have all seen a dramatic decrease in street dogs over the last 5 years. However, as anyone that has traveled outside of these areas can attest that there is still a huge problem in Bali.
Some FAQ’s
Why is there a problem?
All around the world there is a high correlation with developing countries and street dogs. However dogs have been an important part of the Balinese community for centuries. So why is there a problem? When western influence (tourism) came to Bali, street dog culling was initiated by the government due to pressure from large hotels and resorts, to stop guest complaints. So in 1999 Yudisthira – Bali Street Dog Foundation came into agreement with the local government to stop the monthly poisoning of the street dog population, and adopt a more humane approach of spay/neuter.
Is it a cultural problem?
No! The reason for the street dog problem is simple, education and resources. The average Balinese family cannot afford the basic immunizations for their children let alone expensive veterinary care for dogs on the street. So the choice is simple for them, the dogs fend for themselves.
How can we fix this problem?
All empirical research shows that spay/neuter is the only effective solution to population control over the long term. Yudisthira—Bali Street Dog Population has for the last 5 years been operating three mobile spay/neuter clinics that offer free operations for all pets and with a brave team of dog catches to ensure 80% of the population in the area are sterilized. You should be proud to know that your donation/support will carry into the future with Yudisthira—Bali Street Dog Foundaton.
So what’s been happening?
Kuta Karnival
Yudisthira—Bali Street Dog Foundation was a star performer at the Kuta Karnival Food Festival on the 8th and 9th of September. Though we didn’t win any prizes we won many hearts with our Three Legged Baker Dog Biscuits. So due to popular demand we have released our secret recipe for you to share with your dogs around the world. Bon appetite.
Hard Rock Hotel Bali & Hard Rock Bali Megastore
With the generous support of Hard Rock Hotel Bali, and the Megastore, our extremely popular “sick puppy” t-shirt, is quickly becoming the must have t-shirt of your bali holiday. The purchase of one t-shirt will save a single bali street dog. Thank you to Hard Rock for all your support and making such a significant contribution to the Balinese community.
Show your support for the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare: An agreement among people and nations to recognize that animals are sentient and can suffer, to respect their welfare needs and to end animal cruelty — for good, by signing the petition.