DOAG and AAFB enter into islandwide animal management agreement
BY MAUREEN N. MARATITA Journal Staff
The management of stray animals in Guam has become a problem for the island through the years.
Andersen Air Force Base has an admirable policy in place for its personnel that reinforces its caring attitude to pets, also ensuring that animals do not contribute to the significant number of stray animals presently on Guam.
In a general order, the policy reinforced by Brig. Gen. Thomas B. Palenske, commander of the 36th Wing, at Andersen; says, “All pets brought to or acquired while residing on Guam must depart the island with the owner or be lawfully transferred to another owner or local animal shelter prior to departure from Guam. Owners will ensure the proper registration, feeding, and oversight of animals in their care. Animal Abandonment is also a criminal violation of Guam Law (9 GCA §70.50) and Article 134, UCMJ (Animal Abuse – specifically includes animal abandonment). In addition to facing potential disciplinary action, violators may also be subject to financial liability for any costs incurred by the 36th Wing to remove abandoned pets from the base.”
Meanwhile, the Guam Department of Agriculture and Andersen “have formally entered into a landmark Intergovernmental Support Agreement to strengthen stray animal management across the island,” according to an April 29 release from the department.
The Guam Department of Agriculture and Andersen Air Force Base will strengthen stray animal management.
“Under the new agreement, the 36th Wing at AAFB will provide vital equipment, personnel, and logistical support to the DOAG’s ongoing stray animal control operations,” the release said. Resources offered under the agreement include transportation vehicles, animal handling equipment such as net guns and dog cages, assistance with kennel maintenance, and personnel to support animal handling, public outreach, and stray animal control events.
Guam does have a Stray Dog Task Force, headed by Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio, but island resources and personnel are limited. Turner The IGSA, authorized under Title 10 U.S.C. Section 2679, enables the base and the local department to work together in a cost-effective and mission-driven partnership for up to ten years, according to the release, and the partners will review the agreement annually, not only for effectiveness, but to ensure its relevance for “evolving community needs.”
Mariana Q. Turner, territorial veterinarian for Guam; told the Journal there is a lot of potential to expand within the agreement, since the ten-year span also comes with a commitment of $1 million per year by the Air Force, though there is no requirement that the funds be spent.
It is also possible that other military commands in Guam may follow Andersen’s lead. “That would be the hope,” she said.
Turner has previously been involved in a variety of animal endeavors on the island, such as Spay & Neuter Island Pets programs developed by the department in coordination with Guam Animals in Need. mbj
