BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – A stray dog that attacked and bit multiple residents near Buleleng Market in northern Bali has tested positive for rabies, prompting local authorities to intensify prevention measures.
The confirmation was announced by the Head of the Buleleng Agriculture, Food Security, and Fisheries Office, Gede Melandrat, after laboratory testing of samples taken from the dog was completed.
“The results are already out and the dog tested positive for rabies,” Melandrat said on Thursday (March 12, 2026).
The incident occurred on Sunday morning (March 8) when the stray dog reportedly attacked people around the Buleleng Market area in Kendran Village, Buleleng District.
A total of 15 residents were bitten during the incident and later received medical treatment at Buleleng Regional Public Hospital.
Following the confirmation of rabies infection, local authorities carried out a response operation in the surrounding area.
Officers from the Agriculture, Food Security, and Fisheries Office, supported by a joint team including veterinarians, conducted patrols through residential alleys near the market to locate stray dogs roaming without supervision.
Some residents have called for stray dogs in the area to be eliminated to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
However, the local government is prioritizing prevention measures through vaccination programs for both owned dogs and stray animals.
“That is the request from some residents, especially regarding ownerless stray dogs. But we are still prioritizing communication, information, and education programs that emphasize vaccination,” Melandrat said.
Authorities said not all dogs found during the operation were eliminated. Some animals were released after residents objected to the removal.
Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Division, Made Suparma, acknowledged that cooperation from some community members remains limited in handling stray dogs.
“Our presence in the field is to ensure that the issue of stray dogs can be addressed together. This does not mean people are not allowed to keep dogs, but they must take responsibility for how they care for them,” Suparma said.
Officials also used the operation as an opportunity to educate residents about responsible pet ownership, including the importance of vaccinating dogs against rabies.