Free-roaming animals have caused extensive soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and damage to coral reefs and agricultural land (1). These environmental impacts directly undermine local food security. The programmes address this via improved animal husbandry practices, provision of fencing materials, training for farmers, and better management of agricultural lands.
The initial phase involves live capture of roaming livestock across urban and rural areas, carried out by trained local retrievers using designated humane capture pens and active removal from public roads. These retrievers assist farmers in capturing their animals so they can be cared for sustainably in pens. Farmers also receive support through subsidies for fencing, housing materials, and related infrastructure. The government is actively assisting farmers to install these fences.
The remaining captured animals are held under government supervision for up to two days, allowing owners time to reclaim them. Livestock owners can reclaim their animals from the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department (LVV) upon paying a penalty within two days, per Civil Code BES Book 5 Art. 8 paragraph 3 and Island Council Decision 144/16 (2). Unpaid penalties result in government ownership, mandating auction or slaughter for local meat production.
Following this, feral animal removal will take place in Boven National Park. The same local team will carry out these operations safely and efficiently, keeping the work firmly within the community. They will be accompanied by a team of Invasive Species Specialists in the final stage of the project.
These animals undergo inspection to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Only meat that passes these checks will be distributed within the community, with any surplus directed to lower-income households. This approach supports both food security and sustainable local production.
Commissioner Leerdam, portfolio holder of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries emphasizes the importance of the continuation of the programme.
“The roaming animal programme provides a comprehensive approach to sustainable livestock management, combining live capture, support for farmers, and controlled removal of feral animals in Boven National Park,” said Commissioner Leerdam. “Continuing the programme demonstrates our commitment to good governance, public safety and food security.”
The Statia Government remains committed to keeping the work local, involving farmers and hunters at every stage. At the same time, the Government is responsible for enforcing the Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening (APV) (3), in particular Article 3.3.3 on roaming livestock. This enforcement is essential to protect the island’s environment, support the programme’s effectiveness, and ensure compliance with existing regulations.
For more information, please contact the Unit Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) on +599 318 2757. Farmers needing animal housing or those who haven't yet spoken with LVV are encouraged to contact the unit.
References
- State of the Nature Report on the Caribbean Netherlands (2024): 2024 State of Nature Report of the Caribbean Netherlands
- Island Council Decision 144/16
Algemene Plaatselijke Verdordening: Openbaar Lichaam Sint Eustatius: APV
