Ministry of Nature announces the next step for the Animal Welfare Law.

The new law focuses on three main objectives:

• Protection of Pets: Ensuring the safety and welfare of our pets in Aruba.;
• Strict Penalties for Abusers: Establishing strict measures to hold those who commit cruelty or neglect accountable;
• Structure for Animal Ownership: Creating a formal system for pet ownership to ensure proper care and responsibility.

The law consists of several key components to address animal welfare within a legal framework:

• Mandatory Registration via Microchip: All pets must have registered a microchip;
• Mandatory Sterilization: Owners must sterilize their pets;
• Regulations for Breeders: Breeders must register and comply with strict standards;

• Responsibility for Animal Care: New regulations stipulate proper care and clarify pet owners' responsibilities.

  The application of the law will take place on two levels:

• Administrative Enforcement: The Ministry of Nature will be responsible for the registration system and monitoring compliance with the law to ensure animal welfare. Inspectors from the ministry can enforce the law, tasks previously under the Police Corps of Aruba (KPA);

• Criminal Enforcement: In severe cases of abuse, cruelty, and grave neglect of animals, the judicial process will fall under the authority of the KPA and the Public Prosecutor's Office. Criminal enforcement will be applied. To guarantee that individuals who violate the law are swiftly brought to justice, the ministry maintains close collaboration with the relevant authorities. 

  Minister Arends also announced that the animal welfare law is entering the public consultation phase. All stakeholders, including veterinarians, KPA, DLVV, foundations, and community members, are invited to give their opinions and suggestions. It will ensure that the law reflects the needs of all those involved in protecting animals in Aruba.

They will also hold two public consultations at MFA Savaneta and MFA Paradera, where the community can receive information and give input.

• MFA Savaneta: September 4, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM;
• MFA Paradera: September 6, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

The new law will go hand in hand with an awareness campaign focused on educating the community about the importance of being a responsible owner and showing empathy for our animals. The campaign promotes a culture of love and responsibility for our pets.

The Ministry of Nature has collaborated with local artist Ty Figaroa to help spread the message of loving our pets and being a responsible owner.
A pet is part of the family, and care and love make all the difference in its life. Love your pet!