Bali, green rice fields as far as the eye can see and crystal clear water that will make any traveler melt into a pool of relaxation. Bali is the ideal holiday destination and presents many cultural activities and exquisite cuisine. But before you take the first bite of that chicken satay, take a look around you in the restaurant for a sign that reads “RW”. This means that the establishment is selling dog meat aka rica-rica.
RW restaurants
Unknown to tourists “RW” stands for Rintek Wuuk meaning “fine hair” in the Minahasan dialect. Recent reports have uncovered that the Balinese people are brutally killing dogs and serving them to unsuspecting tourists. Bali law states that eating dog meat is legal but selling it to tourists under a false name, is not.
These poor creatures are caught, muzzled, shot, poisoned and butchered on a daily basis. Wired snares are set to capture these dogs and others are even forced to eat poison pellets.
Contaminated meat sold on the streets
Both street vendors and restaurants have been caught misleading tourists by telling them a dish is chicken whilst it is dog meat. Most tourists will not think to question the salesman since you are a visitor in their country and are looking forward to a relaxing holiday. One tends to let your guard down when on vacation with the family but do not be fooled. If a street vendor says that for only $1, you can enjoy the finest chicken satay in all of Bali, best decline the offer politely. It is not a good idea to support traders who engage in this brutal trade. You may be aiding this distressing situation. What’s worse is that the meat may be contaminated! With no track record of regular vaccinations or history of diseases, it is extremely risky to consume this meat.
Cultural beliefs
The belief exists in Bali that by eating dog meat, one will become more masculine and it will make you healthier and strengthen your immune system during the flu-season. Others kill dogs in order to make a living by selling the meat. Some patrol popular beaches to sell their product. Dog meat is regarded as a delicacy and is best served with a cold beer.
Know the difference
How will you know if the dish in front of you is, in fact, chicken satay or dog meat? Apparently, dog meat is fatty, extremely tender and includes a lot of small bones in the meat. It tastes like game and is quite flavourful and tangy. It can be served either as a stew or on skewers and is cooked with chilli and garlic.
Bali Heritage Dog
One organization is going out of its way to save Bali’s indigenous dog. BAWA, the Bali Animal Welfare Association has various programs aimed at achieving sustainable improvements in animal welfare with special emphasis on the Bali Heritage Dog. This is a rare genetic dog species whose survival is currently being threatened by threats such as rabies, dog meat trading, and cross-breeding to name a few. According to BAWA Founder and CEO Janice Girardi, the Bali Heritage Dog who is historically significant to the country, only make up 20% of the population of 400,000 dogs. This dog species is unique when referring to its rare genetic structure and how it can contribute to the study of dog evolution.
Hair raising statistics
On their website, BAWA states that nearly 100,000 dogs are captured and slaughtered to supply the dog meat industry in Bali. Other equally shocking statistics released by BAWA revealed that 70% of these dogs are butchered alive. These and other BAWA statistics are truly shocking:
- 100% of captured dogs are brutally killed
- 25% are poisoned
- 1% are shot with air rifles
Do not be fooled
With a budding tourism market of more than 3.8 million visitors annually, locals will try to cash in on this lucrative market. Tourists are tricked into eating dog meat so that these people can make a living and provide for their families.
It is reported that about 70 restaurants in Bali are selling dog meat to tourists by pretending it is chicken satay. This is a trend that should be stopped as soon as possible. Lying and cheating tourists will give beautiful Bali a bad name and will surely influence the number of tourists visiting the country.
Scientists believe that the rapid spread of rabies won’t end unless the dog meat industry does. Rabies is usually contracted by being in contact with an animal or human being that has rabies. If you experience symptoms such as muscle spasms, a headache, high fever and feel confused about where you are etc., seek medical attention urgently since the disease can be fatal. The only way to prevent the contraction of rabies is by getting a vaccine. Stay clear of bats, skunks, dogs, and raccoons since they are carriers of the deadly disease.
In Vietnam, it is reported that 20% of slaughtered dogs had rabies, and this can easily be transferred from the dog to the human during the slaughter. It is alleged that only 10% of those who have rabies, actually survive whilst the remaining 90% tragically die.
Tourists should be educated about the meaning of the sign “RW” by travel agents, tour operators, hotels, and resorts and be given the choice if they want to support the establishment or not. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Treat animals with dignity and kindness
Treating animals with care, dignity, and respect is an important part of living a spiritually balanced lifestyle. Whether small or great, all animals form part of God’s creation and they deserve to be treated with love. Humans are the custodians of all animals and this means showing mercy and kindness towards them. This does not only refer to physical cruelty but also mental cruelty, which is equally important.
If eating dog meat is culturally significant, so be it. But treat these dogs humanely, put them down with as little pain as possible, and make it very clear that dog meat is being served. Let’s make it clear to Balinese locals that tourist dollars will not go to those that deceive and treat animals poorly.
Many more American citizens are becoming aware of the brutal dog trade. Therefore many tourists are seeking other locations for vacationing. This topic has been covered up for too long, and now it is being made known. At the private school where I attend classes the classmates are literally shocked with disbelief that this practice is going on in the century. It depicts Bali as being a very primitive and unappealing place to visit. Understand that once this information is made known there will be further repercussions to your country. I myself now would never chose to visit your country because of this. When will it stop!!!!
Australian citizens please become aware and boycott vacationing in Bali, Indonesia because you are being served dog meat and they are telling you its chicken. Please choose to spend your vacations in other countries where this practice is not done. By your actions, the Bali government will start to notice that their country is losing tourists because of this practice. PLEASE HELP PREVENT THE SUFFERING OF DOGS IN BALI!!!!!!!
These things happened for a very long time already. Not only in Bali but whole Indonesia. It usually on stalls or street food vendors. There will be two types of meat they will be using, either dogs or rats. That is why I will never eat poultry in that country whenever I’m visiting, only seafood.
This is just so shocking.
I was thinking in going, with what I just read, I don’t think so. I love dogs!
It’s a disgusting practice the murder and consumption of Dog meat in Bali,,and passing it off as chicken to unsuspecting tourists is a disgrace ,,these Balinese people should be ashamed and surely the inhumane Slaughter and methods must be against Hindu religion.A lot of them Are poisoned with Cyanide ,,which apparently can retain trace residual amount in the muscle,,so if you eat it you are poisoned with cyanide,,,
I have been to Bali on hoLiday many times now,,but every time I go I experience something else that puts me off the country ,,as a result will never eat Meat in general here again,,,that is if I come back again ,which is becoming doubtful,,also becoming tired of the utter and extreme vigilance one has to adopt so as not to be Ripped off,,by Money changers the worst,transport,watch sellers,,all out to Mercilessly pray on the tourist,,,I have many friends in Australia who will not go back to Bali,,as it’s not relaxing,,
It’s becoming a big Bali pass time ,how can we Dupe the Tourist,,it’s a game for them,short change in the shops and the money changers etc ,,I,be been to Bali would you believe 13 times and only just recently becomne aware of the Disgusting Dog trade,,,and now found out could actually be rat as well,,and now the government want to charge 10 use enter and leave every foreigner,,is that so we can enjoy the mountains of rubbish everywhere,,was going back but ,am feeling very betrayed by Bali,,,
I have been several times many years ago and we were told never buy off the ” hot dog vendors ” in the street as thats exactly what you were being served , dog.. I personally dont have a problem with them eating dogs , as it is their custom but to serve it to tourists is wrong. They do go out of their way to screw the tourist as I got done on my last visit with buying 10 bottles of street perfume ?? to be met the next day with my order only to get back to Australia and find 3 of them were beautifully packaged and sealed ” rocks….I guess he couldnt afford to sell them at my bartered price so he gave me a few rocks , my sis in law had the same out of 10 bottles all beautifully packaged she also had 3 rocks in hers…
It’s my understanding that this isn’t a Bali tradition, but a practice of people from other countries who came there to work.
The enterprising Balinese have figured out how to profit off of it. Cheating people will be the downfall of the Bali tourism industry.
Come to America, we love having visitors!
Doesn’t matter. They allow the practice to happen.
I have been to Bali. I had no idea they did this. How can we stop this in Bali. I am poor. Love animals hate people that abuse animals and children.
How can I stop this and NOW?
I too was considering traveling to Bali but now that I have learned of their dog meat trade there is no way I’m going there!! So against what I thought Bali is.
I find this really hypocritical.
What is the difference between eating a dog and eating a cow or a pig, which is just as intelligent a a dog? What? Their eyelashes are not as long?
It’s more about the fact that people are being misled.