Dog sterilization clinic to be held twice a year

Despite some problems, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said the two-week dog sterilization and adoption program was very successful.

Apatang said they have already met with Animal Balance about a second dog sterilization program in October.

Henry Hofschneider, special assistant to the Saipan Mayor’s Office, said that Animal Balance plans to hold the dog sterilization program twice a year.

“They were very happy that the first time was successful. It was unfortunate that one veterinarian fell ill, but we managed to keep going with only one veterinarian. We held a farewell and appreciation dinner and it was successful and we can’t thank them enough,” Hofschneider said.

“Once we start communicating after they settle down, we will discuss again about the next services they will provide. Dog program manager Spencer Marchadesch and his team worked very hard during the two-week program and sometimes they would stay late to clean up,” he added.

Apatang thanked the more than 20 volunteers from Saipan, Guam, Japan, and other areas that helped the program become a success.

“We would also like to thank our sponsors, donors, Humane Society U.S. Hawaii’s Inga Gibson, Humane Society International Kelly Coladarci, and Animal Balance for their contributions,” Hofschneider said.

The dog sterilization program was held from May 19 to 29 to address the dog population problem on Saipan, which has over 21,000 dogs based on an HIS survey in 2014.

Feral cats
Meanwhile, Animal Balance founder and director Emma Clifford said that the feral cat population on Saipan can be addressed at a later time and if there’s available funding.

Feral cats have been a minor problem to community members, but pose a threat to several of the endangered birds on Saipan, especially in the territories they are colonizing.

“Although feral cats do not pose a danger to humans or the community, it is understandable that not everyone enjoys having them in their yards. Instead, feral cats should be humanely trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their outdoor home,” Clifford said.

To do this, they would have to set up traps. However, it is expensive to ship cat traps to the CNMI, but Clifford is hoping that if there is available space for the cages to be shipped to Saipan, then the feral cat issue on island can be addressed.

“The problem with feral cats is that they are in a territory and will reproduce in that certain area. What we do is trap it, sterilize, and then return them back,” she said.

Reports blame feral cats as one the main causes for the decline in the population of the Mariana crow, an endangered bird indigenous to Guam and Rota.

Marchadesch noted that the Mayor’s Office has actually thought about feral cats and will be speaking to Apatang about the issue.