House Floor Leader Joseph N. Camacho, R-Saipan and sponsor of House Bill 16-188, said it is unsanitary and inhumane to see a dead animal on the road run over by some motorists.
A local law requires DPS personnel to remove and dispose “roadkill,” but Camacho said police cars are not designed for such task.
The House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations, which reported on H.B. 16-188, said “animals” mean, but not limited to, domestic animals such as dogs, cats, pigs, horses and cattle.
The committee said the measure may result in additional costs to the CNMI government but added that these are justified.
“Despite the possible costs that may result from the enactment of House Bill 16-188, keeping our roads and islands clean and environmentally healthy for our citizens and tourist visitors outweigh any such costs,” the committee chaired by Rep. Rosemond B. Santos, R-Saipan, stated.
The bill now awaits Senate action.
