Animal Rights Aruba presents Some objectives for 2004

W.A.R.

Welfare of Animals & Rescue is a very important part of the daily operational activities of ARA. A special meeting was held with the registered volunteers of Scouting Aruba, the Bario Regisseurs, Serlimar and FCCA in an effort to get better organized. The main purpose of this meeting was to establish a network of people who are able to respond to emergency calls or disturbing situations concerning animal abuse.

The fact that Aruba has a similar income level per capita as a country like Greece requires that the entire population, including the Government, be morally obliged to take steps to improve the living conditions of our animals. American and European tourists do not comprehend our attitude and do not accept that Aruba's population enjoys excellent living conditions, while at the same time the standard for animals are considerably lower. The stray dogs and cats are practically living under third-world conditions. Dogs and cats are not receiving proper treatment even when their needs are clearly visible. For instance, when they suffer from mange or when they have a broken leg or paw. Even then, they are not taken to a veterinarian clinic.

There are several reasons for this neglect:

- Cultural feelings against neutering and spaying a dog
- Some groups of people do not care about the well being of animals
- San Nicolas has no veterinarian clinic.
- Lack of transportation to the existing clinics
- Insufficient knowledge of available treatment for certain skin diseases, like mange.
- The majority of people feel that the treatment of a pet is too costly for their level of income.
- No enforcement of existing laws by the police department.
- No enforcement of the existing license tax by the Government.
- Delay in introducing new legislation on these issues.
- General lack of interest by the majority of the population.
- Insufficient attention given to this dilemma by the educational system.
- National media does not educate their readers objectively on common and expected behavior on animal welfare issues

Donations
We receive on ongoing basis donations from concerned tourists of which some are very generous. A special thanks goes to Anita King Settlements and Lucky Cow Investments who both donated very generously to our cause. We thank every person that supports us financially, enabling us to continue our work. We are also very pleased to see that some local enterprizes have started to recognize our efforts and have provided us with some substantial funds.

'Thank you' goes out to the following organizations for their recent fundraising activities on behalf of ARA: Arawak Gardens, WSPA Columbia and especially thanks the employees of Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino for their ongoing support of ARA and the Bucuti Resort’s continuing donation. Six cars that were donated by the Aruba Customs Dept. will hopefully be released soon. ARA is looking for some companies to help restore the Peugeot station wagons to driving condition. We have some funds available for the necessary parts. In May-June a book with delicious dessert recipes will be released and the price will be $25 per book. The income from the book will generate a steady income for the organization.

Fundraising events continue to take up a large part of our time and human resources. We would like to encourage our readers to get involved in fundraising on our behalf. It is a fun and rewarding experience. We have many great ideas to share with you. If you are interested, contact us for more information: Tel: 5887709/ 993-5393.

Education
ARA discovered a sick dog abandoned at the school-yard of the Pastor Kranwinkel School at Paradera. The dog is there the entire day and is being fed by all the children with their school lunches. Animal Rights and the Principal of the school agreed that the entire school would adopt the dog and restore his health with the help of Convets Clinic. The school has organized a contest to give the dog a name. Skol

Dr.Andreina Contreras agreed to lecture all classes on the subject of pet-care. She did this on Wednesday March 03, 2004. This was a great success and the children wanted to help immediately. A special thanks goes out to Convets who took up this educational project by providing their know-how and services to educate the children on the welfare of a pet. The 'school-dog' is being looked after by concerned, loving children and once his condition allows it he will be sterilized through the ARA sterilization program. This hands-on education project teaches the children what it takes to keep the dogs healthy and keep the over-population under control. We intend to do more of such projects, but need volunteers to assist us.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated... I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."
--Mahatma Gandhi