Last month it was announced that the Government of Aruba, through the Ministry of Health, Elderly Care, and Addiction, together with the Department of Public Health (DVG), is in preparations for a new policy for the welfare of animals and the entire community.
The policy will focus on promoting responsibility in order to prevent the abandonment of animals on the streets, so that together we can create a safer Aruba for people and animals.
Today we want to focus on one of the most important aspects of the policy, which is the definition of a responsible pet owner.
Who is a Responsible Owner?
*Lifelong Commitment: A responsible owner is a person who, when deciding to become a pet owner, knows that they immediately accept responsibility for that pet and for any offspring it may produce. That responsibility stays with this person forever or until they find a new owner for it.
*Health and Control: A responsible owner ensures the well-being of the pet, including respecting its behavioral needs. They also ensure that the pet is protected as best as possible against contagious diseases (for example, by having their pet vaccinated) and against unwanted reproduction (for example, by having their pet neutered/spayed).
*Identification: A responsible owner makes sure everyone knows their pet has an owner. They ensure the pet can be identified, for example by having the pet wear a collar, and they also arrange permanent identification with a microchip. The responsible owner will ensure that the microchip is registered in a database and that the information is always kept up to date, so that if one day, unfortunately, the pet gets lost and someone else finds it, they can take it to a veterinarian to find out who the owner is.
*Safety: A responsible owner takes all reasonable steps to ensure that their pet does not roam the streets out of control in a way that could pose a problem for the community, the environment, and/or a danger to itself.
The campaign #NoMasSufrimento, #MasDoñoResponsabel invites every citizen to be part of the change. The solution to this problem does not depend solely on laws and the Government, but also on the commitment and responsibility of every citizen living in Aruba.
Be a responsible pet owner too. Every act of responsibility saves a life. Plant love, give hope, and protect the well-being of our animals!
#ForAHarmoniousCommunityOneResponsiblePetOwnerAtATime
Your Health, Our Priority
For more information, like our Facebook page Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba, follow us on Instagram directie_volksgezondheid_aruba, follow us on our WhatsApp Channel, receive all information in the Aruba Health App, visit www.dvg.aw, call 5224200, or send an email to servicio@dvg.aw.