Welcome to Kuta the islands of the gods ( Bali)  like a tropical paradise: People flock from around the world to luxuriate on their white sand beaches and in their crystal clear waters. What tourists may not know is that they are inadvertently promoting the vicious abuse of horses who are literally getting worked to death on their behalf.

I am still currently in Kuta for another 2 weeks been here for 1 week already this,and witnessed extreme cruelty to the carriage horses working there.

After approaching these men and confronting them on their beaten down horses, I was ignored, as they laughed, as if the situation of a half dead & tortured horse was a funny one.

The horses, technically ponies due to their size, are brutally beaten, neglected and whipped as they cart unwieldy loads of tourist,  , advocates say, given only salt water to drink and, at best, a few hours rest at night — sometimes left chained to their harnesses. Their salvation is in the hands of just a few welfare groups, hotel allies and conscientious tourists who are desperately trying to stop a culturally ingrained cycle of abuse. It made me aware last night when i seen these poor horses located on Kuta Beach front look so tired and distressed, so i created a page on Facebook last night called stop horse transport in Bali, and have a great response so far.

I have seen horses with open wounds, horses left out in the sun waiting for passengers, horses severely dehydrated with white foam pouring out of their mouths

Some of the horses, they say, are forced to work 18 hours a day. The constant sunshine leads to rampant eye injuries and blindness. The horses are deprived of socialization and any "playtime" with other horses.

Basically what we want is for these horses to be able to live in better conditions and receive the right amount of water and food. And only have the horses going to limited hours a day, with a weight limit that these horses can handle. And i suggest that we try and education these horse owners so they can look after there animals in the best condition.

The treatment of these horses should be an embarrassment to the leaders of these Islands.
I request the Governor to listen to the calls of the local and the vistors that come to the island of Bali to enable better living conditions for these animals and educating the owners.

P.S please follow our group on facebook called stop horse transport in Bali
Thank you.

 Matthew Waters