Celebration Education Advocacy

This website is first and foremost a celebration and tribute to the Bali Street Dog.  They are not to be found anywhere else but on Bali, they are unique and are certainly special.  They are like no other dog, but are a combination of all dogs.

This website has evolved and now serves a dual function, advocacy and education.  It attempts to educate non-Balinese by building understanding and respect about the substance and depth of the human dog relationship within the Islands cultural context.  It advocates for the long standing and deep relationship shared between Bali people and their Indigenous dog.  It strives to show a relationship that does not look or feel like a pet/owner relationship in the western context and yet is strong, has deep substance and ancient structure. Ignorance of this relationship will guarantee the failure of any animal management intervention as well as being disrespectful of the dominant culture on the Island.

There is certainly no doubt that there are issues for the Indigenous dog of Bali.  Overpopulation, lack of access to veterinary care, and disease creates suffering for hundreds of Bali Dogs each day. 

The key to improving the wellbeing of Bali Dogs lies in influencing behavioural change within the humans on the island as well as improving access to veterinary care and resources.  Changing the behaviour of humans is a long term undertaking.  New and desired behaviours must be presented in a way that is aligned with cultural norms and values and the promised outcome must resonate within these norms and values.  People must be allowed to own their change and be active participants in any animal wellbeing intervention.

​This website provides the basis for understanding the cultural relationship between Balinese people and their dogs.  A relationship that was in existence before the first foreigner set foot on the Island, a relationship deserving of respect and understanding.