The police in Samoa are to put together a national dog registration system, as part of its long term solutions for the country's stray dog problem.
Last year, parliament passed the Canine Control Act 2013, with the police as the lead agency.
The police say while they hope to have made good progress in dog control before the Small Island Developing States conference, the Act is about ensuring a long term solution.
Leilani Momoisea reports.
"The Assistant Commissioner of police, Afamasaga Michael Soonalole, says the programme is foremost about safety for the public, including visitors to Samoa. He says the police are working with Local Government NZ to put in place a dog registration system, dog control processes and a dog shelter. Afamasaga says public education will be a vital part of the process with a strong focus on de-sexing. He says it will not involve the tranquilising or the shooting of dogs, however unregistered dogs will be collected by Dog Control Unit Officers and the dogs will be impounded. The registration of dogs will begin in late April."
