An investigation revealed Australian tourists were tricked into eating dog meat in Bali. Officials seized large quantities of dog meat despite a ban. Violators face severe penalties as authorities intensify enforcement.
A recent investigation has uncovered that Australian tourists were misled into eating dog meat skewers while vacationing on the Indonesian island of Bali.
On Thursday, local officials seized hundreds of kilograms of raw dog meat and numerous skewers from vendors, despite a ban on such trade.
Public order officers in Jembrana district confiscated at least 500 dog meat skewers and 56 kilograms of raw dog meat from sellers.
Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, head of the Bali Public Order Agency, reported that three vendors still sold dog meat despite the ban.
Two had previously been warned by the police.
Mr. Dharmadi emphasized that repeated offenders would face legal action to deter others.
Dog meat poses health risks and the trade involves the inhumane capture of pets and street dogs.
Animal welfare organizations condemn the trade for its cruelty and health dangers.
Meanwhile, the practice remains part of traditional cuisine in some regions of Southeast and East Asia, including China, Vietnam, and North Korea.
Violations of the ban in Bali attract penalties of up to three months imprisonment and fines of up to fifty million rupiah.