A newly formed task force is working to draft legislation that would authorize a trap-neuter-return (TNR) policy to help control Guam’s persistent stray dog and cat population, a longstanding concern on the island.
For years, local estimates have placed Guam’s stray animal population at between 25,000 and 60,000 animals.
The TNR approach, which is already in use in other areas to manage free-roaming dog and cat populations humanely, involves sterilizing and vaccinating the animals before returning them to their original locations. This strategy was detailed in a release from the Guam Department of Agriculture on Monday.
“The proposed legislation aims to establish TNR as a sustainable, effective method for managing the free-roaming animal population in Guam,” the department stated.
The task force was created by Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio to address Guam’s significant free-roaming dog population, which poses risks to public safety, animal welfare, and environmental health.
According to the department, the initiative unites various stakeholders, including government agencies, military partners, local veterinarians, universities, and nonprofit organizations, both locally and off-island, to develop humane and effective solutions for managing the free-roaming dog population in Guam.
The task force’s coordinated efforts seek to implement science-based, sustainable strategies to manage the dog population effectively, the department added.
Guided by internationally recognized best practices, including those outlined by the International Companion Animal Management Coalition (ICAM), the task force is following a comprehensive approach to dog population management.
ICAM’s Humane Dog Population Management Guidance emphasizes the importance of a long-term, multi-stakeholder approach. The formation of the task force on Guam is seen as a vital step toward creating meaningful and lasting change, the Agriculture department said.
The task force’s activities will replicate successful dog population management projects from other communities worldwide, focusing on increasing spay/neuter rates, enhancing animal control and shelter capacity, and fostering community education and engagement.
Dr. Mariana Turner, Territorial Veterinarian, highlighted the task force’s commitment to promoting collaboration between government agencies and animal welfare groups to develop sustainable, humane solutions.
“By working together, Guam can move toward a future where free-roaming animal populations are effectively managed, benefiting both the animals and the community,” Turner said.
The Department of Agriculture noted that the task force has already made significant strides in advancing animal population management on Guam. This includes conducting a dog and cat population survey in February and providing humane enforcement training.
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