A PUBLIC APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT: THE STRAY ANIMAL CRISIS NEEDS REAL SOLUTIONS!

Animal Defenders Sint Maarten and our volunteers are currently facing increasing pressure to remove feeding stations for stray dogs and cats across the Dutch side due to complaints about mess and vermin.

We understand public health concerns. Clean, safe neighborhoods matter to everyone. But removing food sources does not remove the problem, it only hides it temporarily while suffering increases and animals spread to new areas in search of survival.

For years, approximately 30 volunteers have been quietly filling a gap that should not exist. We maintain over 20 feeding stations using our own time, fuel and personal funds. Our teams also clean up significant amounts of human garbage left at these locations to prevent further issues.

These animals are not appearing out of nowhere. They are the result of:

• Abandonment and dumping;

• Lack of accessible spay and neuter programs;

• Limited enforcement of animal welfare regulations;

• Uncontrolled breeding:

• Insufficient public education on responsible ownership;

• Poor waste management in some areas.

When garbage bags are left outside full bins, food waste is dumped on the ground, or illegal dumping occurs, it attracts ALL animals: dogs, cats, birds and rodents alike. Removing feeding stations will not address these root causes.

We respectfully call on government authorities to prioritize long-term, humane and effective solutions, including:

✔️ Accessible, large-scale spay and neuter programs;

✔️ Stronger animal protection and anti-dumping enforcement;

✔️ Mandatory microchipping and registration;

✔️ Public education campaigns on responsible pet ownership;

✔️ Improved waste management infrastructure and enforcement;

✔️ Collaboration with animal welfare organizations already doing the work on the ground.

Our volunteers cannot, and should not, be the island’s unofficial animal control system. Compassionate citizens are currently absorbing a crisis created by systemic gaps.

Addressing the stray population humanely will improve public health, tourism image, road safety and community wellbeing. Many islands worldwide have successfully reduced stray populations through sterilization, education and enforcement. Sint Maarten can do the same.

We are not asking for blame. We are asking for partnership.

Animal Defenders Sint Maarten stands ready to collaborate on sustainable solutions that protect BOTH the community and the animals who depend on us. Ignoring the root causes will only ensure the problem continues for years to come.

The time for reactive measures has passed.

The time for prevention, policy and action is now.

Kind regards,

Jackie Sattler

Animal Defenders Sint Maarten

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