Dog meat in Bali

Bali authorities have intensified their crackdown on vendors selling dog meat after an investigation revealed that Australian tourists were being misled into consuming dog meat skewers. During inspections in Jembrana district, officials seized at least 500 dog meat skewers and 56 kilograms of raw dog meat, despite the formal ban on the trade enacted in 2023. Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, head of the Bali Public Order Agency, stated that while first-time offenders would receive warnings and opportunities to transition to other meats, repeat offenders would face minor criminal charges. The ongoing dog meat scandal, which has drawn public outcry since 2016, highlights the cultural complexities surrounding dog meat consumption in Indonesia. Bali's strict regulations impose penalties including up to three months in prison or fines of 50 million rupiah for violations. The authorities aim to deter future violations while addressing the grim realities of the dog meat trade, which often involves the inhumane treatment of dogs.