After the initial report by Island Times about Koror State Animal Shelter, the Chief of Staff at Koror State Government (KSG) called out for volunteers to help at the shelter. However, there was only one person that showed up two weeks ago.
The shelter in recent past received heavy criticism on social media, however, when called for volunteers only one individual visited the shelter.
Lilian Nakasone who works at the shelter as an Animal Control Program Coordinator said that one US national volunteered in taking care of the dogs for one week. However, she couldn’t recall more details about the foreign national.
Nakasone added that children who are interested in being veterinary often volunteer to help out inside the clinic situated at the shelter.
Under the Animal Control Act, dogs that are not adopted in 48hrs are euthanized, Nakasone said that there is a record kept on the number of dogs euthanized each month and assured to provide a data.
“We have made plans to make additional kennels to accommodate more dogs. It was supposed to be this this but due to a lot of other projects, we are under schedule.” Nakasone said.
Nakasone has already consulted an architect to take a note of the facility.
Nakasone said “Sometimes people leave dogs at the gate or the security office. People often don’t like old dogs.”
Nakasone told the Island Times that one of the residents arrived at the shelter and adopted a female dog to breed but once the puppy was born, they got it back to the shelter.
“We feel sorry for the dog in such cases.” Nakasone added.
Nakasone also added that once the dogs are euthanized, the shelter buries them in a respectful way.
“I am trying to get a cremation machine as well.” Nakasone said.
Joleen Ngoriakl who is the chief of staff at KSG in previous interviews with Island Times said that the staff at the animal shelter needs more training in taking care of the dogs.
However, Nakasone said that employees at the shelter are trained and are set to have another round of training next week.
“We are seeking for some more help from the government for training. They are bringing in an expert from the United States to train the employees.” Nakasone added.
Nakasone also said that the vet at the clinic often guides the employees in taking care of the dogs.
She added that the dogs are showered everyday as the they pass out the excreta in the kennel and they need to be cleaned for hygiene.
“We move them to other dry place, clean the kennel and then put them back in it.” Nakasone said.