Dear Sir, I am deeply upset by the inhumane measures the Balinese government has implemented to control rabies. Most of Bali’s street dogs are owned; and even though many of these dogs may roam freely in the streets they are valued by their owners. Attempting to stop the spread of rabies by killing healthy dogs using strychnine is not only cruel but contravenes the advice of the World Health Organization. Strychnine poison causes an agonizing death and is internationally condemned as a method of killing. Scientific evidence shows that rabies can be eliminated when 70% of the dog population is vaccinated. I would encourage the Indonesian Government to immediately start an island-wide rabies vaccination program using a World Health Organisation recommended vaccine to prevent the further spread of rabies. Vaccination is the only proven method for eradicating rabies – the Indonesian government must put a stop to this senseless and cruel killing immediately. I will not visit or recommend that any of my friends visit Bali until the government has put an end to this horrible act of cruelty. The government must implement an island-wide vaccination campaign in order to provide long-term protection for Bali’s animals, people and tourism. Sincerely,

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