The 2007 Figures

Intensified policies on sterilization and admission of rejected animals to the shelter proved rewarding last year. Unfortunately the 2007 figures show a dramatic and most disappointing tendency.

Euthanization Figures

Compare Euthanasia Figures of the last seven years

Mange in an advanced stage is still one of the major causes of death.
With information on treatment methods we hope to save more lives.

Puppies and kittens
Too many young animals are still having to be euthanized. Experience has shown us that many pet owners are yet to realize that dogs can produce a litter twice and cats even three times a year! This means that there remains an educational task for the Society to perform, informing pet owners of their responsibility in this respect and promoting habitual sterilization as a natural duty of pet ownership. The commitment to make an appointment to sterilize the mother in order to allow admittance of existing unwanted litters of puppies or kittens will hopefully also contribute to fewer unnecessary deaths.
In 2008 Stichting Dierenbescherming Curaçao (Curaçao Society for the Protection of Animals) will make an all-out effort to raise public commitment to more responsible animal ownership!

Compare Sterilization Figures of the last seven years

Sterilization figures unfortunately show a decrease. The first row shows the total of shelter animals sterilized, year on year. Row 2 shows the number of animals sterilized belonging to owners who qualified for financial assistance from the Sterilization Fund. Row 3 shows the amount of animals that were sterilized free of charge or at a reduced fee under the OPSC project. In row 4 are the numbers from sterilization projects by individuals, who sponsor a special project to spay and neuter dogs and cats - a very positive initiative.

Compare Adoption Figures of the last seven years

Adoption of dogs and cats continues to decrease but in comparison with the years previous to 2004 is still positive. The significant increase in adoptions in 2004 is definitely a result of the daily adoption promotion in the TV program Mòru bon dia”. Thanks to the fantastic donation from the Oranje Casino this program started again in January 2007. Adoption is promoted weekly by the Antilliaans Dagblad, an advertisement in the Amigoe sponsored by Europa Mode, a promotional program aired by Radio Dolfijn, and the “Looking for a Home” page on our website, sponsored by MIO. With this most generous support the amount of homeless animals to be placed in a new home will hopefully increase in 2008!

Most of the dogs, cats and kittens whose photos featured on our website, were lucky! They were adopted and placed in a new home with a new owner who has given them a second chance for a happy life. Adoption of an animal is always a very happy event. A photo of a happy boy with his new pet!


Remarks
Working at the Shelter has always been difficult for both personnel and volunteers. The continual flood of neglected, mistreated, sick, old but, unfortunately, also perfectly healthy animals, which arrive on a daily basis can be depressing and discouraging. This is something that even the most committed volunteers can only deal with emotionally for a limited amount of time.
Some animals are picked up as strays on the street, some collected from their homes, some abandoned through nothing more than indifference and, of course, boxes and boxes of unwanted puppies and kittens. The Shelter can only take in a very small percentage of these animals, and therefore, only the youngest and most healthy ones are able to be given a chance at life.

Capacity of the Animal Shelter
The Animal Protection Society can shelter a maximum of 60 homeless dogs and 20 homeless cats at any time. The Shelter also operates a boarding facility or "pension" which can accommodate 15 dogs and 16 cats.