AN online petition has been launched to allow Saipan Cares for Animals to temporarily remain at its current location in As Gonno.
As of 3:12 p.m. Sunday, 2,430 had signed the petition urging the Commonwealth Zoning Board to reconsider its decision to deny SCA’s request for an extension.
SCA, according to its director, Elizabeth Pliscou, has been informed by the zoning office that the clinic does not comply with the regulations “and as such must be closed down or relocated.”
With the zoning board’s decision to deny SCA’s extension request, the animal shelter must stop all operations by Jan. 31, 2022.
“SCA cannot afford even a temporary cessation of services and it is likely that they would have to close permanently,” its petition stated.
“SCA is now faced with the prospect of finding homes for the 150+ animals in their care, or face the horrendous prospect of being forced to euthanize those that could not be re-homed,” the petition added.
Michaela Guiang, one of those who signed the petition, said, “I’m signing this petition because SCA truly cares for the animals in need.”
Daphne Agulto of Guam, who also signed the petition, commented, “It makes the most sense to support the only animal shelter on this island. They really do the most for these poor animals and also they do their best to keep strays off the streets. It’s not all of the animals on Saipan but they do what they can if only they had a bigger place and more donations going into their amazing organization, not to mention they are a non-profit organization. If the government can give $500 to each tourist why can’t they lend a hand and help out SCA? I don’t see any logical reason they cannot help out. These animals don’t deserve to be euthanized either so can we just have a heart and let them keep the animals there for the time being till their new place is up? [Because] from what I heard zoning is also delaying the new location and for what?”
SCA’s petition stated that it is currently working on getting a lease signed at a new location.
“However, this land is not developed at all and will need to be bulldozed and cleared before we can even begin to think of fencing, kennels, or building a new clinic complete with power, water, and sewage. Once the lease is signed, SCA is hopeful that they can accomplish all of this within six months. This is due almost entirely to donations of time, services, and funds from supporters,” the petition stated.
It added, “Every month SCA saves hundreds of lives and pet owners do not have another option for care in the CNMI. SCA’s goal is to provide a public service that is accessible to all. The only way they have been able to accomplish that goal over the past five years at this clinic is because of the constant meaningful support and contributions from the CNMI community.”
Variety was unable to get a comment from the zoning board.
Yasuhito Taguchi, Saipan Cares for Animals shelter manager, takes a break with some of the dogs at the As Gonno animal shelter on Jan. 6, 2022.
Veterinary nurse Frances Pliscou with some of the rescued dogs at the As Gonno animal shelter on Jan. 6, 2022.
