Australian vets are in the country and they have started holding clinics where pet owners can bring their animals for check-ups and get their dogs desexed with the hopes of controlling dog population.

On Wednesday, members from Vets Beyond Borders were in the village of Fasitoo Uta on Wednesday. The folks from the village crowded the women’s committee falesamoa where the vets were holding the clinic.

Vets Beyond Borders are not new to Samoa and they have carried out similar work in other places in the Pacific. The issue of stray dogs and uncontrolled dog population has been plaguing the nation.

Veterinarian Steph Nicholls said although people owned dogs in Samoa, very few took their animals for check-ups and to the clinic.

“It is so sad seeing these dogs suffer from illnesses and dog diseases. As a way of preventing an increase in the dog population we use the desexing method in order to lower the number of stray dogs,” she said.

“Desexing dogs helps the creatures to live free without multiplying. It has helped the population of stray dogs and will help it stop the spread of diseases especially cancer in dogs.”

Dr. Nicholls said people have to realise that like humans, dogs and other pets need medical care. She said dogs and pets are considered members of the family and therefore should be treated as such.

“If you see something odd or your dog has been acting weird or sick lately, please see a veterinarian,” Steph said.

Faleula dog owner Roslyn Brunt, 64, always had dogs. At this point in time she looks after 10 dogs and treats them like her children. She came around the clinic with her Rottweiler pup.

She said a few years back she lost some of her dogs and this led her to be become depressed. 

“Whenever they are sick, I take them to the vet right away because I just can’t afford losing another one,” she said.

“Even now, I am here to desex my only female dog that breeds. People ask why and I say it is for the betterment and good health of my dogs.”

Mrs. Brunt believes that all pet owners have the responsibility to ensure their pets are always healthy. She said the Animal Protection Society in Apia was the best place for people to take their pets.

Desexing is considered the most humane way of controlling dog population. Vets Beyond Borders are working with the Animal Protections Society and offering this service at a very low price of $20.

In recent years, dog population, even those owned by people have increased where there are packs residing at homes. There have been reports of these packs attacking children and pedestrian.

The Animal Protection Society is hoping that dog owners in Samoa would make the most of the opportunity and bring their dogs to get desexed.

Samoa Police have confirmed receiving an increase in reports of dog attacks.