Police tackle Samoa’s dog woes

The Police are working towards “effective” dog control in the lead up to the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) meeting in September.

In a statement issued by Assistant Police Commissioner, Afamasaga Michael So’onalole, he said the Dog Control Programme is aiming for a long-term solution to provide a secure and safe environment for Samoa and its visitors.

“However, the initial focus will be on improving public safety in and around Apia before the September 2014 S.I.D.S. conference,” he said.

“Wandering stray and owned dogs have been a longstanding problem in Samoa and there is a high incidence of dog attacks on locals and tourists alike.

“That is why the Ministry of Police are establishing a programme that will focus on responsible dog ownership and effective dog control.”

Afamasaga said the programme is being designed with assistance from Auckland Council Animal Control Services.

“The Council were engaged last year to assist in the design of a dog control programme that is in accordance with the Canine Control Act 2013,” he said.

“The programme will consist of education and awareness, dog registration, dog control activities and enforcement; and construction of a dog shelter for stray and unregistered dogs.”

When asked via email if he could guarantee there would not be a repeat of what happened in 2007 before the South Pacific Games where police shot dogs in the early hours of the morning in an effort to both beautify Apia and to ensure people's safety, Afamasaga did not answer by the time of press.

However, in an earlier report by Radio New Zealand International, Afamasaga said the police dog control programme wants to provide a long-term humane solution, and this does not involve tranquilizing or shooting dogs.

His statement is in line with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (W.S.P.A.) stance, who state the inhumane culling of dogs is not acceptable under any circumstance.

For the first time W.S.P.A. will attend a S.I.D.S conference to be held in Samoa later this year. W.S.P.A.’s Regional Communications Manager Nicola Perez said her organisation, in line with international guidelines, states that when dog population management is deemed necessary it is essential that it is achieved in the most humane way possible.

“Culling street dogs has at no time been effective – mass killing of animals is not, and never will be the answer,” she said.

“W.S.P.A.’s work demonstrates that a humane and holistic approach is the only longterm solution to managing dog populations.

“Governments must take a sustainable approach and address the core issue of managing the dog population.”

Ms. Perez said combining dog population management and promoting responsible ownership can help address challenges associated with roaming dogs, such as: disease transmission, injury and fear caused by aggressive behaviour in dogs, nuisance through noise and fouling and livestock predation.

“Dog population management can include neutering of stray and owned animals, the promotion of responsible ownership and legislative measures to protect dogs and encourage better animal welfare,” she said.

“Additional measures include the identification and registration of dogs and vaccinating against…zoonotic diseases.

“W.S.P.A. moves people to change their attitudes and behaviour towards animals and works to create a world where people respect and value dogs; developing and implementing solutions that work for animals and people.”

Further in the release issued by Afamasaga he said the Police have recently completed the recruitment of Dog Control Officers and administration support to implement the Programme to staff a new Dog Control Unit.

He said the team consists of Canine Control Officer Maseiga Lauina, Assistant Canine Control Officers Tumua Taoipu Ah Loo and Mati Situli and Canine Administrative Officer Theresa Togafau Kamisi.

“The team will be travelling to New Zealand this week to undertake training and observe the work of Auckland Council Animal Control Unit,” Afamasaga said in the release.

“Under the Canine Control Act 2013 all dogs must be registered. “Currently it is impossible to know which dog is owned and which dog is a stray – this will be resolved through each registered dog having a collar and identification tag.

“With support from Auckland Council, a registration system will be set up, and training will begin for the Dog Control Officers who will learn about dog registration and education, handling and impoundment, customer service, health and safety, animal welfare methods, euthanasia, and disease management.”

He said plans for the construction of a dog shelter to house collected dogs are also underway with the aim of having construction complete by mid-2014.

“Land has been confirmed at Tafa’igata and work to prepare the site for construction has been completed,” said Afamasaga.

“Canine Control Officers will inform the registered owner of the dog that their dog has been collected.

“Dogs will be housed at the shelter for at least four days to allow for collection by an owner.

“After this period the dog may be re-homed or humanely euthanised.”

He said the Police would provide more information on the registration process in late-April once the system is in place and the dog control activities begin.

“The Police are working closely with other Government Ministries and the Animal Protection Society to implement the Dog Control Programme and develop a long term solution to this issue,” Afamasaga concluded.

Follow up questions about the cost and requirements of registering dogs had not been responded to at press time.