St. Maarten Private Eye

A few months ago I spoke with Dr. Terry de Witt at the animal hospital in Colebay and she was not even aware that these animals were still here, even though "they were being checked regularly for emotional and physical abuse". Checked by whom? A doctor? No one seems to know who is actually checking in on them.
Does anyone have info?
If the ostrich needed a place to live I have a large fenced piece of land where he/she could stay, but I have heard that from many people yet no one seems to be looking for a home for these animals....

Yes a few people did check on the two circus animals regularly and reported several issues to Health Affairs, Hygiene and Veterinary department. Like the condition of the damaged eye of the bird, like carnival noise, like unsupervised kids climbing into and on top of the cages frightening the animals, like packs of skinny stray dogs roaming around, like empty water containers, like too small cages, etc.etc. And also a letter was sent to the Minister of Public Health in Curacao. That letter was sent on the 4th of April 2006 but no reply has been received up till now.

The giraffe and the ostrich were mentioned in the newspapers several times. This issue has been on the radio and on TV. But more people need to become actively involved in this community. If we really want to see a change than we must be prepared to really do something about it. Please write to the government officials to let them know what you think and what we want. It is so easy just pick up a pen and a piece of paper and put your feelings down in words. Bring your letter to General Affairs that is in the administration building and get your copy stamped only with a stamp your letter will be officially on the record. For more impact send the whole island council a carbon copy to be sure they will start talking about the issue. Later on you might want to consider to have your letter published in the news papers or on the internet SXM Private Eye for instance.

Just ask not to give any more permits for animals in the entertainment business. St. Maarten needs an animal shelter instead. So why not add that question in your letter? Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and even Statia all have an animal shelter? Because their governments did give a piece of land and a budget, why is this is not possible on our island? Learning how to take care of people begins with learning how to take care of animals.

Hurricane Pet Shelters

Saving pets can save lots of people. And my humble opinion is; Neglecting pets is also neglecting people.