Dog Meat Sold as Chicken Skewers in Bali: Popular Tourist Spot Faces Food Safety Scandal

Bali, Indonesia, is a popular destination for many tourists worldwide; there have been alarming reports of dog meat being deceptively sold as chicken skewers.

According to France’s AFP News report, Bali’s Jembrana district authorities recently confiscated 500 skewers of illegally distributed dog meat satay and 56 kilograms of uncooked dog meat. While the sale of dog meat is legal in Indonesia, Bali implemented a strict ban on dog meat trading in 2023, with violators facing up to three months in prison or fines of up to $4,100.

One of the major concerns is that tourists are often unknowingly served dog meat, as it’s sometimes disguised as chicken or other meats. Restaurants and street vendors that offer dog meat are typically marked with the label “RW,” which refers to Rintek Wuuk, a local term for dog meat. However, many visitors, unfamiliar with the term, are misled into consuming dog meat.

Animal welfare organizations in Bali estimate that approximately 70 establishments still sell dog meat despite the ban. Authorities and animal rights groups urge tourists to be cautious when purchasing skewers or meats from street vendors.

Indonesia’s dog slaughter practices are also facing international criticism due to unethical methods. Some vendors believe that the more pain an animal experiences during slaughter, the better the meat tastes. In extreme cases, dogs have been poisoned with cyanide before being slaughtered, posing significant health risks to consumers. Cyanide is a toxic substance that doesn’t break down during cooking, making it particularly dangerous.

Bali’s Public Order Agency has emphasized the risks of consuming dog meat, stating that it can be a source of disease. Australian toxicology expert Dr. Andrew Dawson echoed these concerns, warning that cyanide poisoning from improperly prepared dog meat could harm human health.