Shirley: Control your pets

Diné Bureau

FORT DEFIANCE — Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has issued a proclamation to implement animal control measures in response to recent attacks on livestock and humans on the reservation by roaming dogs.

"We have laws on the Navajo Nation that our citizens must abide by in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of us all," the president said.

"I urge pet owners to license and leash their dogs, and livestock owners to secure the safety of their sheep, cattle and horses. Our animals never asked to be with us. That was a decision we made for them."

The proclamation asks citizens to become aware of and comply with animal owner requirements contained in the Navajo Nation Dog and Cat Control law, to request information on the Animal Control Program through local chapter grazing officials and to comply with the Navajo Housing Authority animal control ordinance for all housing communities and subdivision residents.

Livestock owners are asked to dog-proof corrals and fences and pet owners need to provide adequate nutrition, vaccinations, deworming and restraint of animals.

Residents are encouraged to report all dog-bite incidents to the Navajo Nation Fish & Wildlife, Animal Damage & Control Department at (928) 871-6451 or the Department of Resource Enforcement, 871-6701.

"Everyone needs to take part in cleaning up this problem," said Glenda Davis, program manager for the Veterinary Livestock Program. "The communities need to be aware that it's everyone's responsibility, beginning with the pet owners, livestock owners, housing areas and chapters."

One way to help, Davis said, is through the Navajo Nation Puppy Adoption Program, which is dedicated to solving the pet overpopulation problem by rescuing unwanted puppies and placing them in homes where they will receive care and love.

Foster volunteers willing to care for puppies 10 to 12 weeks old, until they can be adopted, are always in demand. For information, contact Tova Salabye, 871-6615 or tovacoc@yahoo.com.

The Navajo Nation Veterinary Livestock Program has provided 13 years of free spay and neuter surgeries to the Navajo public, according to Davis, "and it's a lot of work. We all need to come together to make the communities safer, healthier and disease-free."

Davis said yearly vaccination of pets and livestock is critical to maintaining disease-free communities. Agency vet clinics offer comprehensive services for livestock, herd services and pet care.

She also said there is a known correlation between animal abuse in children and behavioral problems and violence later in life. The "First Strike Campaign," is geared toward educating the public on the link between violence and animal abuse.

"What we need to do is intervene and provide some assistance and guidance that it is improper to abuse animals," Davis said.