A team of veterinarians from the New Zealand-based charity organisation, South Pacific Animal Welfare (S.P.A.W.), are in Samoa to provide free de-sexing for pet owners in Savai'i.

The team of four vets and five vet nurses, started their work on Monday in Falealupo village de-sexing 42 cats and dogs; a pig was also treated.  

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries vet and member of the board for the Animal Protection Society (A.P.S.), Renee Orange, said the team looked at 27 animals in Asau village, and work was still ongoing. 

“The team is in Samoa for a week and will be available to de-sex cats and dogs, and look at other animals including chicken and cattle,” Ms. Orange said, adding that the A.P.S. hopes to organise similar annual programmes in the future. 

“[The] A.P.S. requested the team’s presence and we are also looking for more opportunities like this for more vets to visit both Savai'i and Upolu.” 

Ms. Orange is advising pet and animal owners to feed their animals properly as an important way to ensure their health.

“De-sexing is also the most humane thing to do to control the dog population in Samoa.

"So, to the members of the public, do bring your pets and animals."

Ms. Orange and some staff of the Ministry are assisting with the programme, and she thanked the Minister, Lopaoo Natanielu Mua, for his support of the programme. 

The team will visit Manase village on Wednesday and Salelologa village on Thursday and Friday before they depart Samoa on Saturday.