Through an executive order issued from Honolulu and now in effect, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has created a task force focused on developing an animal care and control program to reduce problems associated with stray dogs and cats in the territory.

Among the responsibilities and objectives of the task force is to establish a full time animal clinic at the Department of Agriculture to provide veterinary services which will include spay and neuter services, provide treatment, surgeries and medication, as well as vaccinations for disease control (i.e. parvo, distemper and leptospirosis).

Further, the Veterinary Services will issue licenses for all spayed or neutered dogs and will maintain a computer database of all licensed dogs and their owners. Additionally, it will design and implement an aggressive public awareness campaign to inform the community of the Animal Care and Control Program activities, the prevention and control of pet diseases and parasites and benefits to the public derived from the responsible care of pets.

The task force is also to review and research current applicable laws and regulations and propose legislation necessary to achieve the mission and objectives of this Executive Order. They will also designate funding sources necessary for the establishment of an animal clinic, including the costs for personnel, services, medication, equipment, supplies and maintenance.

Lolo says American Samoa currently has an overpopulation of stray dogs and cats which can be associated with adversely affecting the quality of life in the territory. He also pointed out that medical personnel at LBJ Medical Center report treating dog bite-related injuries on a frequent basis, many involving small children.

He noted that people often dispose of unwanted puppies and sick adult dogs in public parks, on government land, and in remote locations to escape the responsibility of caring for their animals.

“...links between leptospirosis, stray dogs, and humans in the territory endanger public health and welfare,” he said. “Other health issues of concern include, but are not limited to parasites such as hookworms, mange and fleas that are present in the dog population and are transmissible to humans.”

According to the governor there are daily occurrences of rubbish being spread from receptacles by malnourished dogs, resulting in an eyesore; and the nuisance and endangerment to public health as a result of stray dogs hinder the territory's ability to develop a thriving tourist industry.

The nine members of the task force are:

Enele Ta'atasi, American Samoa Power Authority; Peter Gurr, Department of Agriculture; Marion Fitisemanu, Department of Health (Chair) ; Ken Tupua, Dept. of Parks and Recreation; Maanaima Fualaau, Dept. of Public Works;  Lea'e Mauga, Office of Samoan Affairs and Dr. Brenda Smith, DVM, with Dept. of Agriculture.

Vice Chair is Mona King of animal advocate group Alofa Mo Meaola; and Nick King, also with Alofa Mo Meaola, is Secretary.

Lolo’s executive order was issued the around the time that a ban was put in place for dogs and cats — if they have not been spayed or neutered, the animals cannot be brought into the territory.