Prime Minister Mike Eman paid a visit to the free sterilization and neutering event that took place at the Graf von Zinzendorf School, an important initiative focused on animal welfare and reducing the number of stray dogs and cats living on the streets here in Aruba. Luna Foundation Aruba, Crossroads Animal Aid, Paws United, and the Stimami Sterilisami Foundation co-organized this important event. Thanks to the Stimami Sterilisami Foundation, all medications were covered, making the sterilization and neutering event completely free of charge.
During the visit, Prime Minister Mike Eman expressed his appreciation for the extraordinary work that the volunteers and organizations are doing. “Aruba is blessed with a very beautiful initiative led by Zoey and a group of volunteers from the United States. A group of 55 professionals are dedicating their time to operate on dogs and cats to sterilize them, but also to check their health status. If they have maggots, infections, or even physical injuries, they receive medical treatment. Most dogs and cats arrive at this care center through their own owners, while the Dutch Navy also brings in several dogs and cats they find on the street. We are here to show our support for this effort. This is a very important initiative for Aruba. There are too many dogs and cats on the street, and this is not good for the animals, it is not good for our community, and it certainly does not represent how we want to treat our pets.” It is very special to see that international organizations are willing to come to Aruba at their own expense, spend a week here, and help us with sterilization, medical treatments, and animal care. This support shows the importance of working together to create a better future for our animals and our community.
Karyn Franz, founder of Crossroads Animal Aid, explained that her organization consists of volunteers who have a deep passion for animal welfare and animal population control. “Crossroads Animal Aid is a non-profit organization that brings together volunteers who have a great love for animals and who believe in sterilization and neutering as a solution. Throughout the year, they organize groups of professionals to participate in these kinds of missions. This year, they brought 55 people to reduce unwanted reproduction among stray dogs and cats and prevent more dogs and cats from becoming homeless.”
Kelly Reagan, DVM and member of the veterinary team from the United States, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the impact that this type of program can have on animal welfare. “There is a group of veterinarians in the United States who have special training to perform a high volume of sterilizations and neuterings in a short period of time. When we can come and use that knowledge to help countries facing challenges with stray animal populations, we know we are making a real difference.”
Zoey is a perfect example of a person who truly cares about the welfare of animals and knows how to secure the necessary resources to make initiatives like this possible. Zoey Konijn from Luna Foundation Aruba emphasized that the main mission of this effort is to reduce the number of dogs and cats living on the street and to promote responsible pet care. “Everyone knows that our hearts beat to see fewer animals on the street and more animals in a safe home with their owners. That is why we gathered these professionals for Aruba. They are here to help the community and to provide attention to pets that need care.”
This initiative shows how collaboration between local and international organizations can make a real difference in the lives of many cats and dogs and contribute to an Aruba with more responsibility, compassion, and pet care. Prime Minister Mike Eman recognized the collective effort of all volunteers, veterinarians, and organizations involved in this initiative. Mike Eman underlined that collaboration, dedication, and commitment like this play an important role in continuing to improve the welfare of animals and in building a more responsible and conscious community in Aruba.
