Community unites after Saipan Mayor’s Office snatches crates

The Saipan community came together in a time of crisis after the Saipan Mayor’s Office abruptly removed crates from the Saipan Humane Society’s building on Tuesday amid a spay and neuter clinic. According to SHS, by the day’s end, residents lent and built more 43 crates, allowing the fully-booked clinic to continue on Wednesday and provide critical care to the island’s pets.

In response to Marianas Press’ request for comment, the Saipan Mayor’s Office provided the following statement: “In response to videos posted on social media regarding alleged substandard operational practices, the MOS Chief of Staff is conducting an inspection on Dog Control Program (DCP) Operations, including the equipment used to capture dogs. The crates were recalled to DCP so we can inspect their condition and ensure they are safe and fully operational as part of the wider inspection.”

SHS Clinic Director Ruby Ma explained that the crates are essential for safely housing animals before and after surgery. She said without them, it becomes difficult to ensure proper recovery conditions, maintain hygiene standards, and minimize stress for the animals in their care.

“We remain committed to continuing our services and are actively working on solutions. However, we want to highlight the importance of proper equipment in delivering safe, humane, and effective veterinary care,” Ma told MP.

Amber Weston, SHS executive director, said their ability to serve depends on consistent coordination, shared resources, and a collective commitment to the greater good.

She added, “We believe strongly that lasting progress comes from working together with purpose, respect, and accountability. Saipan Humane Society remains dedicated to collaboration and to strengthening partnerships that prioritize the needs of the community and the animals we are all responsible for protecting. At the heart of this work is a simple truth: when we work together, our entire community benefits.”

Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres, whose Outreach Team picked up the crates last Friday to help with the clinic, told MP: “I am deeply concerned by events unfolding at the Saipan Mayor’s Dog Control Program and their direct impact on the Saipan Humane Society. Last Friday, my Outreach Team transported 20 dog crates from the Dog Control Program to the Humane Society, so they could continue their vital spay/neuter clinics that serve our island’s animals. This morning, I attended a meeting that was convened to address inhumane conditions reported at the Dog Control Program, and just two hours later staff from that same program were dispatched to the Humane Society in the middle of an active clinic and demanded the immediate return of the crates. This action is both extreme and counterproductive, because it disrupts life-saving veterinary work, undermines inter-agency cooperation, and sends the wrong message about our collective commitment to animal welfare. This is a negative reflection on municipal leadership, if you ask me. Department of Corrections will continue to support humane practices and proper animal care across the islands and calls on all parties to put the well-being of our animals and communities first by resolving these matters through dialogue rather than disruption.”