Pecalang Pack

Our recent presentation at the Animals for Asia Conference held in Kathmandu highlighted opportunities presented through Balinese cultural norms and how they can be leveraged to influence positive animal / human health outcomes. 

During the presentation Agra Utari spoke about a well-known cultural symbol that is present at all village ceremonies.  The Pecalang are the Balinese Community Police and consist of men from the village who volunteer to secure the local area and control traffic and events during ceremonial activities. 

The model of Pecalang can be used to illustrate herd immunity to a village.  The Bali Street Dogs of a village will form a pack and naturally guard their home compounds and village area.  By vaccinating and sterilising these dogs you have a pack Pecalang protecting the community from outside animals who are not vaccinated and that maybe carrying the rabies virus. 

​This Pecalang Pack could wear a collar of the same colouring as worn by the men of the Pecalang.  A collar of red, white and black symbolising the protective role of the dogs within the community.