In a misguided effort to control a rising rabies epidemic on the island, Indonesian authorities have been using strychnine to cull the local stray dog population! Strychnine is a well-known poison, and its victims suffer for hours from seemingly endless convulsions, excruciating pain and anguish before finally succumbing to exhaustion or suffocation. The use of strychnine poisoning on animals has been condemned by animal protection and public health groups throughout the world.
The only effective and humane way to control rabies outbreaks is through vaccination, and the group Bali Animal Welfare Association has been working tirelessly for mass vaccination of dogs throughout the island.
AusAID, Australia%u2019s international development funding agency, donates to the Balinese government%u2019s rabies-control programs. While AusAID has assured us that it only contributes to vaccination programs, giving the Balinese government any money simply allows it to direct more funds towards cruel killing methods.
Please help us help dogs in Bali! Write to Indonesian government officials and ask them to use their influence to stop the inhumane killing of dogs in Bali immediately.
By Jason Baker
