Lily Becomes the 2,000th Dog Sterilized Under the Program 

WILLEMSTAD – As part of the Animal Welfare project, two thousand dogs have now been sterilized free of charge. This initiative is a collaboration between Rescue Paws Curaçao Foundation, Dierenhulp Curaçao Foundation, and the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature. 

The dog Lily was officially registered as the 2,000th sterilization. The campaign aims to tackle the overpopulation of stray dogs on the island. 

Animal Welfare Law in Effect 

Since January 1, 2023, Curaçao has enforced the Animal Welfare Law, which recognizes animals as sentient beings requiring care. Under this law, pet owners have a legal duty of care toward their animals. 

Curaçao has long struggled with an overpopulation of dogs and cats, a problem largely caused by lack of sterilization due to financial constraints or lack of awareness among pet owners. 

Comprehensive Plan to Control Overpopulation 

To address the issue, authorities have developed a four-pillar plan: 

Education & Awareness – The public is being informed about animal welfare laws to encourage responsible pet ownership and increase compliance with regulations. 

Identification & Registration – Pets are registered in a centralized database, helping to track owners and reduce stray populations. 

Sterilization Program – Large-scale sterilization campaigns aim to control animal population growth and prevent further issues. 

Enforcement & Monitoring – Authorities claim to be strictly monitoring compliance with the law, taking action when necessary to address animal welfare violations. 

With this combined approach, the organizations involved hope to create a sustainable and humane future for animals in Curaçao.