In a press conference on Thursday April 6th 2022, Minister of Nature, Ursell Arends, presented the National Plan for Stray Animals (NPSA) as a way to tackle the stray dog problem.
This plan was inherited from the Gabinete Wever Croes 1 in 2019 in which the National Plan was launched but delayed due to funding. In October 2021, the Minister of Nature relaunched the program and ensured funding to execute the plan with urgency.
Minister Arends observed a division between stakeholders due to differing visions in one ultimate solution. In short, this could be described as a difference in the ideology behind the Trap, Neuter & Release (TNR) and the thoughts behind the ideology that the existing laws must be taken into account and the current problematic of stray dogs on the streets, also taking into account the severity of the current situation.
On the other hand, there is also a bigger group that must be taken into account that voiced their concern and rights about the disturbances caused by animals on the streets. Amongst them are pedestrians, cyclists, the food & beverage sector and the hotels.
It is important to emphasize that this plan forms part of the integral plan regarding Nature and the Wellbeing of Animals which will be published in the coming future. In the policy, some of the key points which will be focused on relate to the wellbeing of our animals in danger such as negligence and abuse, while proper and responsible care are stimulated.
During the press conference, a campaign was also launched in collaboration with Post Aruba N.V. to stimulate pet owners on the responsibility to keep their pets inside their yard in accordance with the law.
