WILLEMSTAD – The Appeals Board for Civil Servants has overturned the dismissal of government veterinarian Jennyfer Nicolina, ruling that she acted lawfully when she ordered the euthanasia of two French bulldogs that arrived in Curaçao from the Dominican Republic in June 2023 without the required health documentation.
The decision represents a significant setback for the Curaçao government in a case that generated widespread public debate and criticism at the time.
Nicolina had been employed by the Veterinary Service since 2013 and also served as acting head of the department. On June 25, 2023, two French bulldogs arrived on the island without the mandatory health certificate and valid proof of rabies vaccination. Nicolina decided that the animals should be euthanized the same day, triggering complaints, an official investigation, and eventually her dismissal for alleged misconduct.
Court Finds Veterinarian Acted Within the Law
In its ruling, the Appeals Board concluded that Nicolina acted within the legal framework governing the importation of animals into Curaçao.
According to the Board, the dogs did not possess the required health documentation, and Curaçao lacked an appropriate quarantine facility where animals potentially exposed to rabies could be isolated and monitored. The judges emphasized that responsibility for the absence of such a facility rests with the government, not with Nicolina.
The ruling further noted that the owners of the dogs did not wish to have the animals returned to the Dominican Republic. Under those circumstances, and in accordance with applicable legislation aimed at protecting public health, euthanasia remained the only viable option available.
While acknowledging that the decision had severe consequences, the Appeals Board found that Nicolina made a defensible balancing of interests and did not abuse her authority.
Medication Incident Did Not Justify Dismissal
The Board did determine that Nicolina committed misconduct in a separate matter involving veterinary medications.
According to the ruling, she removed veterinary medicines belonging to her then-supervisor from the Veterinary Service office after that supervisor had been barred from entering the building as part of an investigation.
The judges described that conduct as lacking integrity. However, they concluded that the offense was not serious enough to warrant dismissal from government service.
The Appeals Board stated that a less severe disciplinary measure, such as a formal reprimand, would have been more appropriate under the circumstances.
Government Ordered to Address Return to Work
As a result, the Appeals Board annulled both the dismissal decision and an earlier judgment by the Court of First Instance in Civil Servant Matters that had upheld the government's position.
The judges also rejected the government's argument that Nicolina was unsuitable to continue serving as a veterinarian and civil servant.
The government has been ordered to reimburse legal costs and is encouraged to enter discussions with Nicolina regarding her return to public service and the settlement of any outstanding salary payments.
According to the ruling, Nicolina has indicated that she would like to resume working for the government, although she acknowledges that a return to the Veterinary Service may remain a sensitive issue given the controversy surrounding the case.
The decision brings a major chapter in one of Curaçao's most closely watched veterinary and administrative law disputes to a close, while raising broader questions about the island's animal quarantine infrastructure and the government's handling of the case.