Australian Simon Blaby, a chef in Bali, told the Australian Associated Press that he saw a man shoot a dog in broad daylight, just yards from a Balinese Hindu ceremony.

Other culling methods have involved strychnine-laced meatballs that have inadvertently poisoned pet dogs and other animals as well.

Bali's governor, Made Mangku Pastika, has called on villagers to exterminate strays themselves.

Representatives of charitable organizations established to help curb Bali’s dog population, and ease the dogs’ suffering, say they are outraged by the government’s heavy-handed methods.

"Actually, if they shoot straight it's more humane than strychnine, but if they miss, the dogs can be in pain for a long time," said Janice Girardi, founder of the Australian-funded Bali Animal Welfare Association, which runs a clinic and sterilization program.

Photo: Bali Street Dog Fund