By Foresee Foundation
In a push to tackle the ongoing issue of stray animals on the island, the St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) is extending its US $25 spay and neuter program, an initiative aimed at curbing the birth of unloved puppies and kittens. This campaign comes on the heels of a successful spay and neuter campaign. It reflects the foundation’s unwavering commitment to reducing the number of abandoned and euthanized animals on the Dutch side of the island.
The AWF’s spay and neuter campaign is more than just a temporary fix; it’s a vital part of a long-term strategy to address the root causes of the island’s stray animal problem. By offering $25 surgery certificates, which are available at all four Dutch-side veterinary clinics, the foundation hopes to make pet sterilisation more accessible to residents. This initiative is a significant step towards breaking the cycle of overpopulation that often leads to animals being dumped on the streets or, in worse cases, euthanized.
“While we’ve made progress with our sterilisation campaigns, it’s crucial to continue raising awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets,” emphasised AWF Board member Heather Caputo. “Too many unwanted puppies and kittens are still being born, which in turn leads to heart-breaking situations where these animals are left to fend for themselves or are subjected to euthanasia. The entire community must come together to stop this cycle.”
The AWF has been a stalwart advocate for animal welfare since its founding in 1993, working to improve the lives of St. Maarten’s pets. Beyond the spay and neuter campaigns, the foundation is also lobbying for the passage of animal welfare laws that would provide a legal framework to protect the island’s animals from neglect and abuse.
With the continuation of the $25 spay and neuter program, the AWF is sending a clear message that the fight to control the island’s pet population is far from over. The foundation’s efforts have already made a significant impact, but the road ahead requires sustained community involvement. By making these surgeries affordable and accessible, the AWF is removing one of the primary barriers that often prevent pet owners from having their animals sterilised, namely, cost.
Residents interested in taking advantage of this program can obtain certificates from any of the participating Dutch-side veterinary clinics; or contact the AWF directly at 1 (721) 520-8887 to schedule a surgery. The foundation hopes that by making this process as straightforward as possible, more pet guardians will choose to sterilise their animals, thereby contributing to a healthier and more sustainable community for both humans and animals. As Heather Caputo wisely noted, “It takes the whole community.”
The responsibility lies not just with organizations like the AWF, but with every pet guardian, neighbour, and resident who cares about the wellbeing of St. Maarten’s animals.
