A Dangerous Dog Requires Extra Responsibility!
ORANJESTAD — The Department of Public Health (Directie Volksgezondheid – DVG) calls on pet owners to take additional safety measures if their dog poses a potential risk.
This means being a responsible owner.
Any dog can react out of fear, pain, or perception of a threat. However, the Dog Ordinance (Hondenverordening) allows certain breeds, crossbreeds, and individual dogs to be designated as dangerous when they pose a risk to the safety of people or other animals.
The law prohibits keeping a dangerous dog without the required permit. To apply for a permit, you must submit proof of identification for the dog as well as valid liability insurance.
Additional conditions may be attached to the permit, such as maintaining insurance coverage, using a suitable muzzle in public areas, or spaying/neutering the dog. A dog involved in a biting incident may also be designated as dangerous.
Taking extra responsibility is not a punishment for the animal; it is protection for the community, other animals, and the dog itself. A lack of control can lead to severe injuries, confiscation, or other avoidable consequences.
If you are uncertain about the classification, permits, or conditions that apply to your dog, please request official information before an incident occurs. A responsible owner understands the risk, complies with the law, and takes timely action.
For a harmonious community, be a responsible pet owner!
Legal Basis:
Dog Ordinance (Hondenverordening), Articles 5 and 6.
Be a responsible pet owner. Every act of responsibility saves a life. Spread love, protect their well-being, and together we can achieve an Aruba without stray or abandoned animals.
