By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The government has revived the stray dog population control program through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Guam Animals in Need (GAIN).
According to a press release from the governor's office, the reinstated Spay and Neuter Island Pets (SNIP) Program is implemented in four phases.
Phase I: Deep clean and reorganize the Raulerson Spay & Neuter Clinic at GAIN, which suspended operations in January 2020. This has been completed in early February of this year.
Phase II: Begin part-time operations two days a week to perform spay and neuter surgeries per the backlog of 250 GAIN-adopted animals, and train volunteer veterinary assistants assigned through the Boonie Flight Project group. In 13 operational days, 130 of 250 surgeries have been performed and 30 volunteers were trained.
Phase III: Expand days of operation from two days to four to five operational days per week, and open low-cost spay-neuter services to the public at GAIN.
This phase is anticipated start in June. Logistics and planning have begun.
Phase IV: Community outreach, education and pop-up spay and neuter clinics. The first microchipping, pet licensing and education outreach is scheduled for Saturday, April 9 at the Life Skills Workshop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sagan Bisita in Hågat. Expanded services are anticipated in summer 2022.
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“On our small island, the stray animal population has become a growing threat to the health and safety of our communities,” said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. “While strategies to target this islandwide problem have been discussed for years, we believe that reviving the SNIP program will serve as a long-term solution, in addition to encouraging owners to register their pets.”
“We continue working with our village mayors and our new Territorial Veterinarian, Dr. Mariana Turner, to address this perennial challenge through the most humane and effective measures,” said Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio. “Our administration remains dedicated to responsibly addressing stray animals while improving the safety and welfare of our people.”
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