Denpasar (Antara Bali) - The Bali provincial administration kept on killing stray dog despite international protests, spokesman for the administration I Ketut Teneng said here on Sunday.
Teneng added that the decision to maintain the stray dog elimination policy was aimed at preventing the spread of rabies spread by these dogs. Apart from killing the dogs, he argued, the Bali authorities had also vaccinated pet dogs.
Up till now some 977,461 stray dogs had been killed, and 348,069 dogs vaccinated.
Cases of dog bite in Bali since the rabies outbreak had reached 25,531 in 2008. The number of dog bite cases had raised demand for anti-rabies vaccines. Up till now, Bali province had spent 23,031 vials of the vaccines, and still has 15,582 more available ready for use.
Teneng said the Bali administration's action in dealing with stray dogs may eliminate rabies there in 2012.
The Bali provincial administration has allocated Rp16.07 billion from its own budget for rabies eradication this year.
The funds are channeled through the regional animal husbandry and animal health offices, and other activities. Of the total of Rp16.07 billion, Rp3.38 billion would be used for operational activities, health care and prevention of infectious diseases.
Despite mass dog culls aimed at preventing rabies outbreaks threatening the tourist industry in Bali, the incidence of canine disease on the resort island has continuously increased.
Since August 2009, the number of districts affected by the potentially fatal disease had more than tripled after first appearing in two districts in November last year.(*)
: Masuki
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