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AG recommends termination of DOA vet in “confidential memorandum”

Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale
Signed “approved” by Gov Lolo on Oct. 18
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In response to numerous complaints about Dr. Ken Lameta, the veterinarian hired from Samoa by the Dept. of Agriculture to head the animal clinic, Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale recommended to DOA director Filifaatali Mike Fuiava, that Dr. Lameta be terminated, or at minimum, “immediately reassign him to a position that does not involve the practice of veterinary medicine.”

Talauega’s recommendation was included in a “confidential memorandum” to Filifaatali dated Oct. 8th, which was signed “approved” by Lolo on Oct. 18th.

Samoa News has obtained a copy of the memo.

(Lameta was hired by Filifaatali earlier this year in April, after long time vet Dr. Kristen Jensen — a U.S. licensed veterinarian — departed in January. Filifaatali had told Samoa News at the time that it is difficult to hire a qualified vet because of the low salary being offered by ASG).

In his letter to Filifaatali, Talauega wrote, “Over the past five months, we have received voluminous complaints about Dr. Lameta’s conduct as a veterinarian. In July, we shared these concerns with the Governor’s Office and recommended termination.”

Talauega continued, “We continue to recommend termination for the following reasons:

  • Complaints received from the public demonstrate that Dr. Lameta is not competent to practice veterinary medicine on domesticated animals;
  • Dr. Lameta’s conduct jeopardizes the safety of ASG’s K-9s and the continued success of public safety operations;
  • Dr. Lameta is not licensed to obtain the controlled substances needed for the safe and humane practice of veterinary medicine;
  • Alternative proposals to obtain necessary controlled substances are illegal and/or expose ASG to unacceptable risk;
  • Dr. Lameta’s inability to safely, legally, and humanely euthanize animals jeopardizes the Department’s ability to meet its quarantine and destruction obligations;
  • Dr. Lameta’s conduct has damaged the reputation of the American Samoa Government (“ASG”) and the Department of Agriculture. This has resulted in repeated news articles, social media posts, and community meetings that reflect negatively on ASG; and
  • Dr. Lameta’s conduct has created discord and harmed morale within the Department of Agriculture.

Talauega told Filifaatali that these are “significant liability concerns for ASG”, and Dr. Lameta’s continued employment “is likely to result in litigation from pet owners, farmers, employees, and other stakeholders.” Furthermore, his continued service as the sole department veterinarian “prevents the department from carrying out its statutory obligations.”

Talauega noted that aside from litigation risks, “our greater concern is for the welfare of animals. Complaints from the public, along with supporting documentation, indicate an alarming pattern of mistreatment and/ or misdiagnosis.”

The complaints include “an allegation that an animal was fatally overdosed with medication.” According to Talauega, the animal was dosed with nearly 70mg above safe levels, and it died shortly thereafter. He said a subsequent allegation was received, about the same conduct being repeated. Thankfully, it was not fatal.

Another complaint received, Talauega continued, had to do with an animal dying from treatable bite wounds. “The animal did not have its incision closed correctly and did not receive necessary blood and monitoring.”

Furthermore, there was a complaint about an animal being diagnosed with heart worms without testing. “The owner was then given no medication to resolve the issue.” Without medication, Talauega wrote, “heartworm positive animals often die of this condition.”

Another allegation involved an animal being brought to the clinic with a leg injury and skin condition. “The veterinarian had to be prompted to complete any testing, then diagnosed a heart condition without cause. There was no medication prescribed to treat the leg injury or skin condition, which subsequently worsened. The family confirmed the misdiagnosis with another veterinarian….The animal died from the leg wound.”

Talauega concluded, “We do need to advise you that the employee may challenge any disciplinary action, including termination. It is possible that he may file a lawsuit against the Department. However, on balance, we believe that there is significantly greater liability to ASG if this situation is allowed to continue unchecked. We recommend immediate termination.”

Copies of the “confidential memorandum” were forwarded to Governor Lolo Moliga; Lt. Governor Lemanu Sialega Palepoi Mauga; Public Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua; Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson; ASG Treasurer Uelinitone Tonumaipe’a; Dept. of Human Resources director Eseneiaso Liu; and Dept. of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR_ director Va’amua Henry Sesepasara.

BACKGROUND

Since Dr. Lameta’s arrival in April, pet owners have been up in arms, voicing their concerns about everything from his lack of credentials and poor service, to disgusting conditions at the clinic and his inability to bring in necessary medications.

Lameta is not licensed - locally or in the U.S. - therefore, he is not qualified to order or handle controlled drugs.

Last week, Mona King of the nonprofit organization, Alofa Mo Meaola, announced that US certified veterinarian, Dr. Melissa Shaw from Kauai will be in American Samoa (Oct. 28 - Nov. 11) to conduct surgeries, health checks, and provide spay and neuter services, as well as medications for purchase, for desperate local pet owners.

For appointments, call Mona King at 258-2269