GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Monday expressed support for Saipan Cares for Animals, saying he will meet with the Commonwealth Zoning Board and the zoning office administrator “to assess their underlying concerns and to seek avenues to resolve them while ensuring that all applicable laws and regulations are abided by.”
In a statement, the governor noted that while the zoning board did inform SCA of the need to halt its current operations by Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, it did not mandate that SCA vacate the premises.
SCA is a nonprofit rescue clinic in As Gonno that provides low-cost services to pet owners. SCA is the only organization providing medical care for animals in the CNMI.
The governor said he has been informed that, “after having previously granted two prior extension requests, the zoning board has decided to deny a third request due to repeated unresolved issues regarding SCA’s current premises. As it stands, under the present zoning regulations, [SCA] must find a healthier, more sustainable, long-term home to conduct their services.”
He also noted that “SCA has managed to secure a new location for its operations. However, the site is currently inoperable at this time.”
The governor said he will meet with SCA today, Tuesday, Jan. 25, “to discuss their plans moving forward and how we can better assist in serving our animal population and providing safer living environments and means of attaining adequate care.”
The governor said his administration will continue to ensure that SCA receives its full share of the American Rescue Plan Act nonprofit organization funding in the amount of $300,000, as well as any additional support it may need.
“SCA, and the many volunteers that encompass the organization, provide an essential service to our community,” the governor said. “I have heard many stories about the numerous families that SCA has helped, and I know that they have been instrumental in saving countless lives amongst Saipan’s animal population. I am committed to helping find a viable solution for SCA as they are currently the only organization that provides medical care for animals in the CNMI.”
He added, “It is heartwarming to see the outpouring of support for [SCA] as a result of all they have done for our community, and I join in support of their cause. I want to assure all those concerned that we are looking at a variety of solutions for SCA, including fostering collaboration with existing government agencies to support their relocation to a permanent facility and providing the necessary resources for them to thrive.”
“Lastly,” the governor said, “I take this opportunity to thank the hardworking individuals who have dedicated their time and services in support of this worthy and much needed cause in our Commonwealth, most especially Beth Pliscou and her hardworking staff” at SCA.
For more information about SCA, visit https://www.saipancaresforanimals.com
To see its online petition calling for a six-month extension, go to https://www.change.org/p/commonwealth-zoning-board-sca-extension-to-stay-on-the-lot?redirect=false
Ralph DLG Torres
