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Guam helps with training of Tinian dog control program
Michael Borja, dog control manager of the Office of the Tinian Mayor, and Jeffrey Cruz get hands-on training at the Guam Animals In Need animal shelter and with Guam’s animal control officers last week. (Contributed Photo)
GUAM—Employees of the Tinian Animal Control Program learned animal control and sheltering techniques from Guam Animals In Need and the Guam Department of Agriculture last week.
Michael Borja, dog control manager of the Office of the Tinian Mayor, and one recruit, Jeffrey Cruz, spent last week in Guam for hands-on training at the GAIN animal shelter and with Guam’s animal control officers. They assisted Guam’s Animal Control unit on various calls throughout the community, and experienced the daily tasks and unique issues that come with the position.
For the rest of their time in Guam, the Tinian team worked at the GAIN shelter alongside GAIN staff, assisting with daily shelter chores, and learning animal handling skills, health and temperament assessments, and adoption processes. They also met with one of GAIN’s volunteer veterinarians to discuss common animal illnesses, specific signs to look for to determine an animal’s health, and what next steps are needed depending on the outcome.
“GAIN, the Department of Agriculture, and the Tinian Animal Control Program are excited about this opportunity to share information and experiences between our fellow islands in an effort to provide better lives for all of our islands’ animals,” said GAIN executive director Alison Hadley.
Borja contacted Hadley last month, with the hope that GAIN and the Department of Agriculture could provide additional training for his new hires.
“When GAIN went to the CNMI after [Super] Typhoon Yutu to assist in their recovery, we worked closely with Mr. Borja and his crew. They are a dedicated and hardworking team. The CNMI, just like Guam, is doing all they can to help with animal overpopulation, animal homelessness, and medical assistance
with what resources they have,” said Hadley. “There was no hesitation on my part to offer them training in order to help their program move forward.”
Department of Agriculture director Chelsea Muña Brecht said, “We’re happy to help our sister community in efforts to control the stray dog population. This is a serious animal welfare and public health issue that’s getting worse on our islands. We’re stronger when helping each other.” said. (PR)
