Industry Information

TUI Netherlands and Curacao Animal Foundation support stray dogs on Curacao

• Holland International and travel agents collect 6,250 euros for sterilizations
• Awareness campaign on vasectomy for strays and pets launched in Curacao

Rijswijk, February 10, 2012 - Holland International, part of TUI Netherlands, which ArkeFly is part of, together with Dutch travel agents collected 6,250 Euros for he Curacao Animal Foundation. This fund will be used to perform 175 sterilizations among animals without owners or those who's owners do not have the financial means to do so. The aim is to reduce the growing population of stray animals on the island. The check was handed to Nathalja Overwijk of the Animal Foundation at the veterinary practice in Ronde Klip Curacao . The presentation of the check was the launch of an awareness campaign by TUI Netherlands among hoteliers, travel agents and the community.

The number of stray dogs and cats in Curaçao is currently estimated at 90,000. By sterilizing 175 animals this will reduce the stray population in Curacao. When nothing happens, the population grows rapidly: a dog has an average of eight pups twice a year. Fifty percent of them survive only the first months. By sterilizing 175 female animals it will prevent  Curaçao from having about 1,400 new stray animals per year.

Campaign Launch
TUI Netherlands calls out all hoteliers, travel agents and the Curaçao community by means of posters, to take their pets to the vet for sterilization at the normal rate. The posters can be seen at all the accommodations on the island. Travelers can view the film aboard the aircraft ArkeFly and tips in the destination booklets informing them on not touching and feeding stray animals.

Animal Foundation
The Animal Foundation operates in Venezuela, Greece, Tenerife, Bonaire and Curacao. The organization consists of a team of veterinarians and volunteers active in the fight against animal suffering and the growth of the population of stray animals. The foundation works with local veterinarians in cooperation with the local population. Preventing animal suffering with an animal-friendly approach is of great importance. Many problems arise from ignorance. By sterilizing and providing education we can achieve a better environment for both humans and animals.