THE Saipan Mayor’s Office-Dog Control Program cleaned up the As Lito animal shelter on Monday.
The staff used water from high pressure compressors to remove debris, algae and stains from the kennels as well as soap and pet-friendly chemicals to scrub the floors of the facility.
It was the first “deep cleaning” performed this year, the staff said, adding that they clean the kennels and the rest of the facility every day.
There are currently 10 dogs at the facility.
“The Dog Control Program staff thoroughly clean the kennels and feed the animals daily, as part of the daily operations. Cleaning and sanitizing are crucial for the staff, the facility and, most importantly, the visitors,” Dog Control Program Manager Martin Pangelinan said.
The daily cleaning of the facility, kennels and the surrounding premises helps prevent a number of diseases, and can also reduce “objectionable odor” at the shelter, he said.
“After every use of the facility, such as spaying and neutering, vaccinations, surgery, giving medications, and more, the staff will perform deep and general cleaning. Our objective is to maintain cleanliness and remain presentable to the community,” he reiterated.
He urges community members to be responsible owners to minimize the number of stray dogs or untagged dogs that are being impounded.
Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho said, “It is a challenging time for the economy of the CNMI and every penny we spend is valuable, so let us help our animal shelter by being responsible owners.”
Dogs and cats sterilized
In related news, Boonie Babies, Boonie Flight Project and Guam Animals in Need, in partnership with the Saipan Mayor’s Office, sterilized 68 dogs and cats from Jan. 24 to 26.
They also provided other services such as vaccination against rabies and implantation of microchips.
In a statement, Boonie Babies, Boonie Flight Project and Guam Animals in Need expressed their gratitude to the community members of Saipan for their support.
They said the program could not have been implemented without the use of the animal shelter and the assistance of the Dog Control Program staff under the Saipan Mayor’s Office, “for which we are so grateful.”
The Dog Control Program staff also received advanced training as veterinary technicians.
“Their duties included holding animals during sedation, prepping animals for surgery by shaving the surgical site and giving injections, monitoring animals during recovery, and removing their breathing tube once awake,” the statement added.
“We are thankful to Mayor RB Camacho for his support and hope to bring this team back to [the] shelter clinic in April.”
They also thanked the following sponsors: Herman’s Modern Bakery, The Shack, The Hut, and Hafa Coffee.
“We’d also like to thank Secret Garden Hotel for hosting two of our volunteers and, of course, for their sponsorship and support.”
If you’re interested in getting on the spay/neuter waitlist, sign up on www.tinyurl.com/booniebabies/.
Field Supervisor Leemark Deleon Guerrero of the Saipan Mayor’s Office-Dog Control Program.
The staff of the Saipan Mayor’s Office cleaned up the dog kennels at the As Lito animal shelter on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.
