Everything in the culture of Bali has a connection, a purpose, a meaning, and so have their dogs.
The moon, the offerings and, the dogs have a purpose too, but usually we don’t see it. That’s why we take a deeper look at it and learn more about this special relationship with the Bali dog so that we can understand the depth of that connection.
It’s unique, like Bali, just like that.
The Bali dogs are not stray, they are unique; different from domestic dogs.
The role of the Bali Dogs is to protect the village from the outsiders, including other dogs. They are forming packs with their alpha dog who’s having control over all the dogs.
Actually, 90% of the free-roaming dogs you see on the island have a home.
Balinese do not classify ownership of pets in the way that Westerners do. If you ask people where a dog ‘stays’, then you will generally get a thumb gesture in the direction of the compound that the dog calls its home.
They are just in front of the gate; they are protectors and guard dogs of their community. It’s that what they do, and they love it.
They love the crazy street life, and they have their own kingdom and rules.
It’s not like they live a miserable life, even though some of them are. The majority of dogs are living their best lives. Bali Dogs are street-smart. Having the dogs off the streets will change the whole system in the community.
They are very beneficial for the community, and they are FREE.
Bali dogs are a part of the Ecosystem; they eat the rest of the leftovers.
The Bali Dogs not only has a place in the society and culture of Bali, but it is also a part of the Ecosystem; you remove it, and there will be natural consequences.
There are some Banjars in Bali that have chosen to go ‘dog free’.
This choice has been in response to the rabies outbreak in 2008. In these Banjars, a massive rat population explosion occurred. Rice crops have failed, and the influx of snakes into people’s homes has increased and posed threats to the safety of community members.
Why are Bali Dogs wearing collars?
Before rabies, you would never see a Bali Dog with a collar on. Even in the Indonesian language, there isn’t even a word for it.
It was only because of rabies; the need to have a method in order to see that the dog is vaccinated. That is the reason.
The wild semi feral Bali Dogs are the oldest breed of dogdom. They are wild, free and stubborn. It is hard to train them, but with a little bit of patience, MAYBE they will sit and give you a high five. But once you fall in love with Bali Dogs, they have an impact on you.
Because they are so amazing and unique, they bite into your heart, and it’s pretty hard to get away from it.
Through the research on Bali Dogs, we found the “The Bali Street Dog”, a Blog by Kim & Agra; and the movie “The Island of the Dogs” by Dean Allan Tolhurst & Dr. Lawrence Blair.
When you read the blog or watch this movie and talk to these people we met, you can feel that they are passionate about these unique animals and this unique Island.
The Bali Street Dog Blog
Agra is Balinese and Kim lived here in Bali for many years. Agra Utari is a co-founder of Yayasan Seva Bhuana and has recently completed her Master’s degree with the English Education Department in one of Bali’s Universities.
Agra’s passion for changing the perspective of animal welfare education in Indonesia was sparked while working in one of the most prominent animal welfare organisations for Bali dogs. By working as an educator with Yayasan Seva Bhuana, Agra has been fortunate to combine her passions for animals and education.
Follow @thebalistreetdog
Kim is the co-author of the Bali Street Dog website, a site borne out of many years of working in animal welfare on the Island of Bali and an increasing frustration with the lack of understanding of or respect for the place held by the Bali Dogs within local culture and the deep connection between local people and their Indigenous dogs.
Kim has over three decades of Executive Management experience working in the community service sector, including 3 years in the Northern Territory of Australia working with an organization that supported Indigenous Australians and their dogs.
Kim is currently the Executive Officer with a global not for profit, SMART Recovery International, an organization that supports people to recover from addictions.
Bali Dogs – Movie
A film about the semi-feral dogs of Bali, and our changing attitudes towards conquering nature and bending her to our will.
Watch the Film here https://linktr.ee/savearthmedia
Follow @savearthmedia
“As a resident of Bali, for me this isn’t just a film about dogs, but a unique opportunity to portray the Island’s beauty and many mysteries, from the entirely new perspective of the dogs, the Balinese themselves and the foreigners.
Although the island is famously known as ‘Bali – Island of the Gods’, few realize the hidden worlds revealed by seeing it as an ‘Island of the Dogs’ – a creature which traditionally represents the Demonic.
The presence of these dogs in this Paradise Island is symbolic of the universal conflict between light and dark, order and chaos, good and evil.”
2010 © Dean Allan Tolhurst & Lawrence Blair
Dean Allan Tolhurst
As a professional musician, Dean played in bands in eastern Australia in the 80’s, and on cruise ships touring the South Pacific. During this time, he founded the fledgling independent ‘Stormbird Music’ label.
After the Bali Bombings of 2002, Dean edited the documentary series ‘Bali Menangis’ (Bali Cries) for GMM films, then the international award winning ‘Bali: Hope in Paradise’ with director Jane Walters. In 2010 he appeared with Julia Roberts in Sony Pictures’ ‘Eat Pray Love’. He went on to direct and edit the documentary film ‘Bali – Island of the Dogs’, presented by anthropologist Dr. Lawrence Blair.
Dean has also been technical director of the Bali International Film Festival (Balinale) since 2007. He lives in Bali, Indonesia.
Dr. Lawrence Blair
He’s an explorer, film maker, author and public speaker on the peoples and creatures of Indonesia. A resident of Bali he has assisted and led marine expeditions throughout the archipelago since the Lindblad Explorer – the first genuinely exploratory tourist ship – broached the Spice Islands in l978.
He is also the writer, presenter and co-producer (with his late brother Lorne) of the PBS and BBC TV adventure series Ring of Fire, winner of two EMMY awards, aired in over sixty nations, and introduced by Richard Gere. Dr. Lawrence Blair also wrote the companion book, describing the brothers’ astounding ten years of filming their Indonesian odyssey. Read our interview with Dr. Lawrence Blair about his Indonesian Odyssey
Dr. Lawrence Blair has lectured and appeared widely on international radio and TV, elucidating psycho-anthropology, tribal mysticism and the ‘secrets’ of Indonesia.
We’d like to thank the people above for taking their time and meet us. It was a pleasure to exchange our thoughts on these amazing animals.
