Tinian implements dog control regs

Tinian has finally implemented dog control regulations to curb the rampant stray and feral dog population on the island. The new and extensive, regulations took effect on Monday, Nov. 13, after being published in the Commonwealth register in October and posting of the required public notices. A colorful tri-fold brochure is available at many island locations describing the basic features of the program.

The program will be implemented in stages, with the first stage already in progress—the licensing of privately owned dogs. All residents are urged to register their dogs and purchase the required license tag, and may come to the Tinian Mayor’s Office during regular business hours. Application is fast and easy. A one-year tag costs only $10. Other options such as two-, three-, or four-year tags are available at reduced costs, reduced fees for senior citizens, and reduced fees for spayed or neutered dogs. In the first three days, more than 25 dogs have been licensed.

Tinian’s Dog Control Officer Jason Ayuyu will soon begin rounding up “stray” dogs within the San Jose Village area during phase two implementation. If someone’s pet is rounded up during stray dog capture, it can be reclaimed at the new Tinian dog impound and kennel at the old converted DLNR piggery in Marpo Valley for a fee. You can also visit the kennel by appointment and if you see a dog you like, you can adopt it, also for a small fee.

Ayuyu will atend a two-week training course at the Hawaiian Humane Society in Honolulu, Hawaii in January. After this training, all phases of the program will be implemented including the capture of feral dogs from outlying “boonie” areas

All dogs held at the impound will be kept for only five days and, if unclaimed, will be humanely destroyed by following Humane Society procedures. Dogs will only be destroyed by a licensed veterinarian who will administer a lethal, and approved, injection.

Under the new rules, dogs are not allowed to run loose outside of your own property, must be leashed when with you off your own property, are not allowed on any beaches (except for “working” dogs under special permit), and you need to clean up behind your dog if it decides that mother nature calls.

The Tinian dog control program is designed to control an unsafe and unhealthy situation caused by too many stray animals that already have begun to show signs of disease, disrupt and distribute garbage from receptacles, chase or harrass residents and tourists and leave their droppings on beaches where tourists like to relax on the sand.

Tinian has taken great care to research the latest in dog control regulations from around the country. The new regulations comply fully with all Federal and Humane Society requirements including euthansia standards in order to protect the resident population, tourists and, of course, the animals themselves.

If you have any questions or would just like a copy of the brochure, call the Tinian Mayor’s Office at 433-1800 or 433-1805 and we’ll be happy to send you information or visit your residence if you want. [B][I](PR)
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[B]Photo caption:[/B] The first two Tinian residents to register their pet dogs under Tinian’s new dog control regulations are, Rita Arkle, left, who registered her two pet dogs with tags numbered 0001 and 0002, and program supervisor and second licensee Jose P. Cruz, right, whose dog got tag number 0003. At center is Jason Ayuyu, Tinian’s Dog Control Officer. Background is Tinian’s new dog control vehicle completely styled out with a two dog capacity metal cage, identification decals, and dog capture equipment. (Contributed Photo)