According to Animal Welfare Alliance Aruba
Animal Welfare Alliance Aruba (AWAA) announced that its mass sterilization program prevented an estimated 49,000 puppies and kittens from being born into street conditions in 2025 alone, marking the most impactful year in the organization’s history.
While daily rescue efforts continue to save animal lives across the island, AWAA emphasized that rescue alone cannot solve Aruba’s ongoing stray animal overpopulation crisis.
“We cannot rescue our way out of overpopulation,” said Mercedes de Bruyn, Board Member of AWAA. “Rescue saves lives today, but sterilization changes the future.”
AWAA’s sterilization numbers show strong and consistent growth over the past three years:
- 2023: 1,500 animals sterilized
- 2024: 2,700 animals sterilized
- 2025: 4,687 animals sterilized
This brings the total number of animals sterilized by AWAA to 8,887.
According to AWAA data, the sterilizations carried out in 2025 alone prevented the birth of approximately 28,000 puppies and 21,000 kittens.
These figures represent tens of thousands of animals spared from lives marked by hunger, disease, neglect, abandonment, and suffering on the streets.
“Mass sterilization is the only proven method to reduce the number of animals entering the system, ease pressure on rescuers, and protect animal welfare in the long term,” AWAA stated. “When we reduce births at the source, the entire system becomes more humane and sustainable.”
AWAA continues to work closely with rescuers, volunteers, and community members throughout Aruba, stressing that prevention must go hand in hand with rescue, education, and awareness to create lasting change.
Appreciation for Volunteers and Sponsors
AWAA expressed deep gratitude to all volunteers in Aruba and abroad who contributed throughout 2025 to achieving these extraordinary results. Their compassion, dedication, and perseverance for animal welfare were described as invaluable. Without their commitment, AWAA’s work would not be possible.
The organization also thanked its financial sponsors, food sponsors, and partners who supported AWAA through donations, supplies, and sponsorship of facilities. This financial and logistical support is essential to maintaining sterilization and care services at the scale Aruba needs.
With the continued support of volunteers and sponsors, Animal Welfare Alliance Aruba is creating real and lasting change for the welfare of dogs and cats on the island.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/programa-di-sterilisacion-masal-ta-evita-49-mil-animal-di-caya-den-un-ana
