MANGILAO (GovGuam) —The Department of Agriculture-Animal Health Division has officially launched the Dog Population Management or DPM Task Force, with its inception meeting held on Sept/ 30, 2024. This collaborative initiative brings together key stakeholders from government agencies, military partners, universities, local veterinarians, and non-profit organizations both on and off island to develop humane, effective solutions to the island’s ongoing free roaming dog population challenges.
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio convened the DPM Task Force in response to Guam’s significant free roaming dog population issue, which poses a risk to public safety, animal welfare and environmental health. By coordinating efforts among various organizations, the task force aims to implement sustainable, science-based strategies to manage the dog population effectively.
The Task Force is guided by internationally recognized best practices, including those outlined by the International Companion Animal Management or ICAM Coalition. ICAM’s Humane Dog Population Management Guidance underscores the importance of a multi-year, multi-stakeholder approach, making the formation of this Task Force a critical step toward meaningful and lasting change. Activities and goals of the Task Force will replicate successful DPM projects in other communities worldwide, including increasing rates of spay/neuter, animal control and shelter capacity, as well as community education and engagement efforts.
As stated by Territorial Veterinarian Dr. Mariana Turner, “the Dog Population Management Task Force is dedicated to fostering strong collaboration between government agencies and animal welfare organizations to create sustainable and humane solutions. By working together, Guam can move toward a future where free-roaming animal populations are effectively managed, improving the well-being of both animals and the community at large.”
Early successes and ongoing efforts
Since its inception, DPM Task Force has already made notable progress in advancing animal population management efforts on Guam:
• Dog & Cat Population Survey: In February 2025, the Guam Department of Agriculture collaborated with DPM Task Force volunteers from Guam Animals In Need and Guåhan Paws for Pets, in addition to animal advocates from the community to conduct a comprehensive dog and cat population survey on the island. With guidance from international experts from Humane World for Animals, this survey collected essential data on pet ownership, sterilization rates, vaccination practices, and other key factors influencing the free-roaming animal population. The results, once available, will guide future policies and programs to improve animal welfare and management. The last such survey was conducted more than ten years ago.
• Humane Enforcement Training: Recognizing the importance of proper enforcement in effective animal control, the Task Force has supported training efforts to equip Animal Control Officers, Guam Police Department and other stakeholders with the skills necessary for humane enforcement of animal welfare laws. This includes best practices in animal handling, humane capture techniques, and legal considerations in animal control.
• Draft Legislation for a Trap-Neuter-Return or TNR Program: One of the key policy initiatives currently in development is the establishment of a TNR program. This strategy, widely used in other regions to control free-roaming dog and cat populations humanely, focuses on sterilizing and vaccinating animals before returning them to their original locations. The draft legislation is aimed at institutionalizing TNR as a viable, sustainable method for managing the free-roaming population on Guam.
For more information regarding the Dog Population Management Task Force, upcoming initiatives, or how to get involved, contact the Department of Agriculture-Animal Health Division at (671) 300-7966 or 7964 or email Territorial Veterinarian Dr. Maria Turner at mariana.turner@doga.guam.gov/.
