The Department of Public Health (Directie Volksgezondheid – DVG) is launching the “Responsible Owner” (Doño Responsabel) School Art Competition, with the goal of educating and raising awareness among children about the responsibility that comes with having a pet.
The school art competition launches today. All students from grades 1 to 6 of primary school can participate free of charge. Children must create an original and colorful painting illustrating one or more dogs and cats in a yard, being well cared for by a responsible owner. They can also incorporate aspects of the Dog Law (Ley di Cacho) in their painting, such as giving the pet adequate water and food, a safe place for protection against the sun and rain, veterinary care, and keeping the pet under control.
Each participant may submit one painting, which must be created by the child at school. The participation form can be obtained at the school or at DVG and must be handed in to the teacher no later than September 30, 2026. DVG will collect the paintings from the schools on October 1 and 2.
The winners of each class will be announced on October 16 on the Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba Facebook page. Winners will receive a gift during a special presentation on the afternoon of October 23 at the Bestuurskantoor. The painting of the absolute winner will be transformed into a mural at the future Rescue and Control Center.
This competition is part of the campaign focused on promoting pet owner responsibility to prevent the abandonment of animals on the street. With this initiative, DVG aims to instill from an early age the message that a pet is not an object, but a living being that must receive care, protection, and love throughout its life.
Be a responsible pet owner yourself. Every act of responsibility saves a life. For a harmonious community, be a responsible pet owner.
Your Health, Our Priority (Bo Salud, Nos Prioridad)