The editor of the Samoa Observer newspaper believes the idea that the police are working towards controlling the number of stray dogs in this country in the build up to the United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS) meeting in September is “fantastic”.

“Here is wishing them all the best,” Mata’afa Keni Lesa said in an editorial this week.

“Look, we know the project is long overdue. And then again, there have been so many announcements about addressing this issue, which have resulted with nothing.

“The irony is that the photo of those dogs strolling along Beach Road, published on the front page of yesterday’s Samoa Observer, says a lot about the progress (or lack of it) in terms of addressing this issue.

“But that shouldn’t stop us from trying. You see, if we want to host a successful SIDS, the authorities – among many other priorities – need to get cranking on the stray dogs issue now, not tomorrow or the next week.

“That’s why we find the comments by Assistant Police Commissioner Afamasaga Michael So’onalole published on yesterday’s front page encouraging.”

Afamasaga said the dog control programme is aiming for a long-term solution.

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.”

“Responsible dog ownership” and “effective dog control” are key terms to remember from now on, commented Lesa.

“We say this because implemented properly, we see this as the only way going forward.

“Whereas responsible dog ownership should ensure the owners love their dogs like they love themselves, effective dog control should allow the authorities to take away dogs that people are no longer able to care for.”

According to Afamasaga, Samoa police leaders are working with an outside agency in a effort to bring in an appropriate form of stray dog control.

This comes in the form of the Auckland Council Animal Control Services.

“The Auckland agency was engaged last year to assist in the design of a dog control programme that is in accordance with Samoa’s Canine Control Act 2013,” he said.

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

“Wonderful!” said Lesa.” But who is going to educate who here? Besides, how long more are these plans for a dog shelter going to be entertained before we see it?

“Now, just to show that the police are serious about what they are doing, Afamasaga said they have recently completed the recruitment of dog control officers and administration support to implement the programme.

“And that’s not all. The team will be travelling to New Zealand this week to undertake training and observe the work of Auckland Council Animal Control Unit.”

Under the Canine Control Act 2013 all dogs must be registered.”

One of the challenges, according to Afamasaga is that it is impossible to know which dog is owned and which dog is a stray.

“But that will soon be a thing of the past . This will be resolved through each registered dog having a collar and identification tag,” the assistant police commissioner said.

“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.”

Lesa commented: “Well, aren’t these wonderful ideas? Kudos to Afamasaga and his team for coming up with them.

“But let’s not get excited yet. Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to stray dogs, we’ve heard so much talk and yet we’ve seen very little action. So let’s wait and see. But then don’t hold your breath.”