Karin’s story.

Karin Karner is known across the island as “the Bali Bully lady.” Originally a designer from Austria, she moved to Bali twelve years ago. After four years on the island, she started taking in dogs in need — and quickly noticed how many of them were pitbulls.

She has loved bully breeds since she was six years old. So when she saw how badly they were treated in Bali — kept as trophy dogs, caged or chained in backyards, abandoned when their owners moved on — the choice was easy.

Growing up in Bali, you somehow get used to seeing all the heartbroken animals — but it never gets easier.

Pitbulls in Bali — like in many places — carry a negative reputation. Most shelters won’t take them in. Western breeds are considered status symbols here, but when the novelty wears off, the dogs are the ones who pay the price. Karin started rescuing the ones nobody else wanted.

Eight years on, she has rescued over 1,100 pitbulls. For her first three years rescuing, every one of them passed through her own home — her living room became the recovery room, spare bedrooms became kennels, and every couch was occupied at least once.

Karin’s team is small and hand-picked. The veterinary services from Central Vet are critical to the operation. For behaviour and training, she works closely with Rhonda — a professional on the island who shares her commitment to making sure every single dog is fully rehabilitated before being declared ready for adoption.

In 2020, Karin secured land and started building. The centre opened in 2021 — Bali’s only purpose-built bully rescue, where up to 30 dogs at a time can heal, play, and wait for their forever families. It’s a long way from one woman, one couch, and a stubborn refusal to look away.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Every adoption, every donation, every share — it all matters. These dogs don’t have a voice. We’re trying to be theirs.