Dear Bali Governor,

We wish to see the closure of Satria Animal Market in Denpasar due to its practice of exploiting wild and domesticated animals for profit.

Our demand is not only ethical but urgent, because markets where people trade wild animals and birds can potentially become future sources of virus transmissions. Such markets are posing a direct threat to human health and the wellbeing. They are especially dangerous for people who live in close proximity to their premises and suffer constant exposure to transmittable diseases.

Satria Animal Market has become a hub for illegal animal trade, such as birds, primates, including Sumatran apes and reptiles from exotic places. 

Dogs and cats are often snatched from their homes and are offered for profit at this market or used as breeding stock to churn out more hapless puppies and kittens, which will also be sold on. These animals are usually kept alive in inhumane conditions. Most traders pay no attention to animal welfare: They simply lock these animals up in cramped cages, with no regard to hygiene and inadequate food. 

More often than not, dead animals will be fed to other surviving animals. Such an appalling situation increases the likelihood of emerging diseases. Sick animals infect other animals, and inevitably will subsequently infect humans (zoonosis diseases). According to numerous published research papers, wild animals traded in bird markets have increased possibilities of transmitting dangerous diseases. Rabies-carrying animals are also traded recklessly, even after Bali battled serious Rabies issues.

This widespread trade of wild animals is now a devastating threat to many creatures in their natural habitat, to the point where it may cause an extensive disruption of an already fragile ecosystem.

Tourists are often shocked to realise how cruelty is endemic in animal markets. Bali is the island of the gods:  How can we turn a blind eye to any manifestation of animal cruelty?

We urge the local government to stop this callous, vile treatment of animals for the sake of the animals, for the sake of all of us and for the sake of a better Bali!