By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Saipan Humane Society has activated a broad network of national animal welfare and emergency response partners to support pets and livestock affected by Typhoon Sinlaku, saying the storm’s impact on families extends deeply to the animals they care for.
Executive Director Amber Weston said the organization is working across agencies to ensure animals are included in every stage of disaster response and recovery.
“In the wake of Typhoon Sinlaku, our hearts are with every family and every animal affected,” Weston said. “This has been an incredibly difficult moment for our community, and we know the road to recovery will take time for both families and animals.”
The Saipan Humane Society is coordinating through the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition, alongside Humane World for Animals, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Red Cross, and federal partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Weston said the organization is especially grateful for the leadership of Dr. Mariana Turner, interim territorial veterinarian and volunteer medical director for the Saipan Humane Society, who also serves as Guam’s territorial veterinarian. Turner has been guiding communication and coordination across agencies as animal welfare needs continue to emerge.
SHS is asking residents to complete a community survey to help assess needs for pets and other animals, including medical care, sheltering, food, and reunification support.
“We kindly ask our community to complete the survey, as it helps us understand your needs and provide meaningful support for you and your animals during this time,” Weston said.
The survey is available at https://tinyurl.com/SinlakuPets
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
