A NEWLY formed nonprofit organization called Saipan Humane Society has officially partnered with Saipan Mayor RB Camacho and the Mayor’s Dog Control Program in efforts to tackle the island’s stray dog problem.
Lauren Cabrera, co-founder of Boonie Flight Project and President of Guam Animals In Need or GAIN, states: “I have been working closely with the Mayor’s Dog Control Program, and look forward to continuing to strengthen this partnership further.”
Cabrera bases her vision of this collaboration on her experiences with GAIN. “There is no way to control the dog population without a strong government/non-profit partnership, and for that, I am very grateful. Mayor RB Camacho and the Dog Control Program staff have been extremely supportive and welcoming.”
A survey conducted in 2013 showed 21,000 dogs living on Saipan. Cabrera explains that controlling the dog population is not just for the animals’ welfare, but also creates significant benefits for local ecology, tourism, and public health. Recent data collected reveals a significant amount of dog fecal bacteria present in our coastal waters. “We need to protect our fragile coral reefs and public health,” said Cabrera.
Dog Control Program Manager Martin Pangelinan expressed his support for the partnership. “We look forward to working together to bring these much-needed veterinary services to our community.”
Pangelinan notes that the next spay/neuter clinic will be April 10-14 at the Mayor’s Animal Shelter, with plans to sterilize 20 animals per day.
“We are happy to welcome back the GAIN veterinarian Dr. Smith, and her support team,” Pangelinan said.
If you are interested in getting an animal on the waitlist for sterilization, vaccination, or other veterinary services, please go to: https://tinyurl.com/saipanhumane
If you are interested in meeting some of the friendly dogs available for adoption, please stop by the shelter.
