Minister Dowers establishes commission to tackle Aruba's roaming dog problem

ORANJESTAD — Justice Minister Arthur Dowers has officially established the Commissie Hondenproblematiek Aruba, a commission tasked with developing concrete, long-term solutions to the island's problem of stray dogs and owned dogs roaming freely in public areas.

According to Dowers, the situation poses risks to public safety and animal welfare, including dog bites, traffic hazards and disturbances affecting residents.

The commission brings together representatives from the Department of Public Health (DVG), Aruba Police Force (KPA), Animal Welfare Alliance Aruba, Luna Foundation, Animal Care Clinic, Bureau City Inspector (BCI) and Tito Laclé, canine behavior expert.

Anke van Dijk of the Justice Minister's Office chairs the commission, supported by legal and administrative assistant Rasheema Orie.

Its objective is to develop a structural approach that addresses not only the consequences but also the underlying causes of the problem, reduces the number of roaming dogs and promotes responsible dog ownership.

Dowers emphasized that cooperation between government agencies, animal welfare organizations and canine experts is essential to achieving sustainable results.