Saipan has an alarming rate of stray dogs that pose a threat to local residents and tourists alike.
The magnitude of this problem is quite daunting which will require the involvement of the whole community.
This issue not only affects tourism but it also poses barriers to being physically active.
This partnership will allow the Saipan mayor’s office “to establish a sustainable program that will be able to tackle the overwhelming concern of stray dogs which has been an existing problem. I feel this is an important issue that needs to be addressed; therefore it is one of my top priorities in ensuring fruition,” stated Mayor Donald Flores.
He thanked NMC-CREES for being a partner in this endeavor.
NCD prevention and control program coordinator Tayna Belyeu-Camacho said “partnering with the Saipan mayor’s office provides the opportunity to leverage resources to accomplish a shared goal. One of the key barriers people face in engaging in physical activity is the issue of stray dogs. One of the goals for the NCD prevention and control program is to create a supportive environment which will allow for appropriate environment adaptations. This project was a natural partnership. We are excited to be working with Mayor Flores on this project.”
