No private vet on island

Posted on Sep 18 2008

The island is left without a private-sector veterinarian for the next three weeks after the temporary vet at Paradise Island Animal Hospital left the island unexpectedly Tuesday.

Kansas-resident John Thomas had been on Saipan covering Ed Tudor’s practice while he was off island.

On Tuesday, Thomas said he got caught in the middle of local politics after he followed orders not to treat an animal.

“I’m not staying around to listen to this [expletive],” he said, adding that he was returning to Kansas.

Thomas, who had a six-month license to practice in the CNMI, was scheduled to stay through the beginning of October. Tudor could not be reached for comment in Florida.

Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz, Secretary of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, said he reminded Thomas that as a licensed vet he is morally obligated to treat all animals and cannot discriminate.

Dela Cruz said he is concerned there is currently no private vet on island.

“But it’s not up to me,” he said. “It’s a private clinic. It’s not related to me.”

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