When the devastating tsunami hit Southeast Asia in December of 2004, Banda Aceh, Sumatra was already ravaged by violent political infighting. The tsunami leveled the region, making it difficult for emergency responders to gain entry. Thousands of people lost their lives and millions were displaced. But the voiceless victims of this disaster spurred The Bali Street Dog Foundation into action.
Known as Yayasan Yudisthira Swarga, or Yudisthira, The Bali Street Dog Foundation was the first international animal welfare agency to respond in Banda Aceh.
Established in the late 1990s, Yudisthira has grown into a large organization with several programs. It has a staff of about 20 dedicated people and relies heavily on volunteer and donor support.
Humane Society International has worked with Yudisthira since 2001. HSI has supported programs that include a survey of dog populations, the establishment of sterilization clinics and a humane education program; training for humane slaughter of farm animal techniques in Indonesia; and training veterinarians from around the region.
Yudisthira has attended HSI's annual Animal Care Expo since 2001. HSI offered substantial assistance with tsunami relief efforts and provided training to enhance disaster response.
Yudisthira categorizes its programs as short-term, medium-term or long-term. Short-term issues include emergency care, skin disease and parasite treatment. Medium-term focuses primarily on sterilization, and long-term programs aim to increase the awareness of animal welfare through public education and improved veterinarian training.
One of Yudisthira's more popular programs is the Kindness Club, which has enthusiastic support from the Indonesian Ministry of Education. These interactive classes educate children of all ages on the importance of compassion for all animals.
Yudisthira is currently working with HSI to rebuild a teaching farm and veterinary school in Banda Aceh that was destroyed by the 2004 tsunami.
Yudisthira became an HSI Animal Advocate in 2003.
Yayasan Yudisthira Swarga (Bali Street Dog Foundation)
JL. Duyung Gang 1 #9
80228 Sanur, Bali
Indonesia
Tel: +62-361-286-226
Fax: +62-361-282-105
Email: balidogs@ix.netcom.com
Posted July 6, 2006
