The Bali provincial government has enacted new regulations to prohibit the sale and purchase of dog meat across the region. This prohibition is formalized in the Bali Provincial Regulation Number 5 of 2023, focusing on maintaining public order, community harmony, and animal welfare.
According to Article 28 (1) A of the regulation, engaging in the distribution, sale, or purchase of dog meats is classified as a criminal offence, punishable by a maximum imprisonment of three months and a minimum fine of 50 million. To enforce this regulation, municipal police units have been deployed to monitor and apprehend individuals involved in the illegal trade of dog meat.
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Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, the Head of Bali’s Municipal Police, reported that his team has conducted extensive awareness campaigns in collaboration with various dog lover foundations to educate the public about the prohibition on buying and selling their meat.
The issue of dog meat trading in Bali has faced strict opposition since 2017. Animal welfare activists have consistently urged the Bali government to officially prohibit this practice. Finally, after more than 7 years of advocacy, the Bali Government’s decision to enforce this ban is a long-awaited response to these concerns.
The prohibition on dog meat trade received further reinforcement through a circular from the Ministry of Agriculture, coded No. 9874/SE/pk.420/F/09/2018, clarifying that dog meat does not qualify as food.
“This has been the primary initiative of Sintesia Animalia Indonesia (formerly Animals International Bali and Bali Animal Defender, ed.) since 2017. Since the launch of this program, numerous dog meat stalls have been shuttered,” stated Drh Sasa Vernandes, M. Si, an activist from Sintesia Animalia Indonesia, as quoted by the Tribun Bali.
In recent years, Bali has witnessed numerous cases of dog meat trading, sparking outrage among animal rights activists in the region and across Indonesia. Hence, the official ban mandated by the Bali government is a crucial step towards apprehending those who continue to sell them unlawfully in the market.
