In what seems to be a move to improve community safety and animal welfare ahead of the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting, the government kicks off a week-long dog population control dubbed ”Inaugural Humane Dog Population Management (HDPM) program” starting today, according to a statement from the Tonga Animal Welfare Society (TAWS) .
Supported by DFAT, MAFFF, Tonga Tourism, Tanoa Hotel, and Tonga Police, a team of veterinarians from Animals Fiji has arrived in Tonga to do a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. This initiative is focused on managing the stray dog population around hotel accommodations and conference areas for the upcoming Pacific Island Leaders Forum Meeting.
The HDPM program targets dogs roaming or living on the streets, aiming to neuter them to reduce aggression, roaming, and fighting behaviors. Neutered dogs will be easily identifiable with an ear tattoo and a collar.
TAWS is providing volunteer support for the TNR program.
The TNR team will be stationed at Sopu along Vuna Road, a priority area identified by Tonga Police due to its concentration of hotel accommodations.
