Tudela was reacting to House Bill 16-188 which mandates the Department of Public Safety to remove dead animals found on the streets and to contact the mayor’s office for its proper disposal.
“I only ask for funding and manpower,” he said.
Tudela said concerned government agencies have recommended that Division of Park and Recreation should be given the responsibility because it has the needed equipment.
Tudela at the same time asked the Legislature again for the additional funding needed by the animal shelter project — $215,000.
He said the project will solve the island’s stray dog problem.
The dog kennel will put the animals for adoption or humanely put them to sleep.
House Bill 16-188, introduced by House Floor Leader Joseph N. Camacho, R-Saipan, stated that the mayor’s office is better equipped with performing the tasks of removing and disposing dead animals.
According to the bill, “vehicles operated by public safety officers are not manufactured for [the removal of dead animals] nor are the officers provided the proper equipment for the removal and disposal of dead animals.”
The Mariana Resort & Spa management recently asked Tudela to help get rid of the stray dogs that have made the hotel area as their “permanent home.”
Tudela said: “I told them I cannot help solve their problem.”
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