Rescuing The Street Animals In Bali Indonesia
On the island of Bali in Indonesia, there is a growing concern for the number of stray dogs and cats that call the beaches and surrounding area home. The issue is complex, and the relationship between the Balinese and the Bali Dog differs from what we may think. First, the Balinese believe that dogs can protect people from spirits that may try and enter the home. In addition, the Balinese use dogs to warn them if snakes are on the property. Finally, dogs help to reduce food waste by consuming scraps and ridding the area of rats and other problems.
The issue now is that Bali has a low-sterilisation rate and a lack of resources to protect the dogs and cats and keep them healthy. Rabies also poses a significant threat to local communities and tourists. When the dogs have puppies, many litters are dumped in the rubbish tip or abandoned on the side of the road.
So what can we do to help the street animals in need and still respect the local Balinese culture? Aron, the Founder of Sun & Sage Ethical Vegan Clothing, discusses his work rescuing Bali’s street animals and the importance of extending kindness to all animals as a vegan.
I first came to Bali, Indonesia, in 2012 while volunteering for an animal welfare organisation. When that finished, I worked in Bali, but not in animal welfare anymore. I still couldn't bring myself to drive past dogs and cats in need, so I would always stop and give them food and take them to the vet. It became quite frustrating, though, as there were so many animals and so much money was being spent on vet care, medicine and bills.
Some months I'd spend hundreds of dollars on rescue animals, and I'd be in severe financial trouble. Finally, I thought, 'I have to do something different if I want to keep rescuing animals. At the same time, there was this massive rise in veganism. I saw a whole new awakening happening, and these people were so passionate that it also helped to inspire me to do whatever I could to promote the vegan message.
I had this idea; what if I could fund my animal rescue efforts and create a clothing brand with a lower impact and give vegans clothing they can be proud of wearing? I'd seen lots of vegan clothing before, but much of it needed to be more transparent with how it was being made.
Why Did You Decide To Go Vegan?
When I was 10, a teacher told me I was eating animals for food! I couldn't believe it was true. I felt lied to. I was taught to love animals, but I ate their bodies. I thought of my dogs, pet chickens, my mum's horse, and all the animals I loved.
That afternoon I got home and told my mum I wouldn't eat animals again. And I never did. A few years later, when I worked as a helper on a farm, I saw the devastation of modern egg farming. I went off eggs after I turned up one day to sort them, but the chickens had all disappeared. I started to research standard practices and was horrified by what we do to animals for food. So finally, I became a vegan!
How Can Visitors Help The Street Animals In Bali?
Bali isn’t the best place in the world for animals. Often, they are left on the street and suffer needlessly.
Anyone visiting Bali can help, even if it's just buying food or going a little out of your way to help them. Many people see dogs and cats who don't know what to do and feel guilty. It's overwhelming as every street seems to have an animal that needs help. It is hard to know where to begin. I recommend doing what you feel is right. For example, if I can, I usually feed the animals and give them a little medication on the street.
The shelters are so full here, and dogs are pretty streetwise. So, unless it's a defenceless puppy or severely injured animal, try and help them on the street instead. If the animal needs urgent help, you can organise an ambulance from an animal shelter or a local vet to come and get them, although the costs need to be covered.
What Is The Best Way To Raise Awareness Of These Issues?
There are religious, cultural, financial and educational issues have all combined to create a lot of street dogs. The blame cannot be pointed anywhere; instead, we can focus on doing what we can to help animals that need it. Showing compassion for animals in all parts of life is a great way to help others.
For example, at the markets I go to, I have conversations with the local women about why I'm doing this and how it will help the animals. So many people appear to think animals are a lost cause and that they can't be helped. Showing them otherwise means they can change this one step at a time!
Promoting a vegan lifestyle is the solution. More and more people who become vegan will help veganism be normalised and more accepted, attracting even more people to try it.
By creating an online following and getting the clothing out there, I can help vegans be proud of what they believe in and have more daily conversations with their friends and family.
I'm excited to see the growth of veganism. I still remember when all I could eat on a meal out was a baked potato with beans. Now, there are so many options, and it's never been easier or more affordable to be kind to animals through our lifestyle choices. Bali is also a fantastic place to eat plant-based meals with a number of vegan cafes around the island; as a vegan you are spoilt for choice.
How Can Someone Support Your Work?
Check out the ethical range of vegan t-shirts and tote bags available from my online store in the UK. If you are in Bali, get in touch with me directly and I can help you out!
Vegan Sticker Packs
Spread the impact of vegan awareness through this assortment of five vegan stickers, each with a different style.
In addition, I have a Patreon account where members can sign up and directly support my work with a monthly donation. Tier 1 Memberships start from just $6 AUD a month and include exclusive Patreon-only updates and a monthly google meet call. All donations are incredibly helpful and go towards expensive vet bills, foster care, medication, and food.
Remember, there are many free-roaming stray dogs in Bali. The global pandemic further increased the number of dogs and cats left to fend for themselves. If you visit the popular tourist areas, you will see the Bali dogs running around on the beach, walking the streets and sitting close to the markets or restaurants. Animal rescue organisations can only work within their capacity and many animals rely on the kindness of strangers to offer a meal or shelter.