By: Eustoria Marie Borja
MALAKAL, PALAU — Early on May 2, 2024, a local woman endured a frightening ordeal when she was attacked by a pack of stray dogs near the main road in Malakal. The dogs, estimated to be four or five in number, appeared from the shadows and bit her, leaving her shaken. The same dogs have reportedly injured her own pet dog, highlighting growing concerns over aggressive stray animals in the area.
Another resident shared that visits to Icebox at sunset have become unsafe, as aggressive dogs often roam freely. “They need to be leashed,” the concerned citizen said.
Concerns are mounting for the safety of tourists, walkers, joggers, schoolchildren, and cyclists, who may encounter these roaming packs. Frequent sightings have been reported near Palau Visitors Authority (PVA), the Ngchesar State Office, and Topside, where dog packs have become a serious issue.
The stray dog population seems to have increased exponentially, and concerns from the community that were prominent in 2022 have returned with urgency.
In response to these growing concerns, Mr. Obak Sato, Program Coordinator at the Animal Shelter, explained the procedures for handling stray dogs in Koror. Speaking to Island Times, Sato emphasized the importance of registering pets, which requires a yearly renewal by December 31. Registration is free for spayed or neutered dogs, while unspayed animals require a $10 fee. However, Sato could not provide exact numbers of registered dogs when contacted and asked to be contacted later.
During a talk show on July 19, 2022 broadcasted on Palau Wave Production, Sato outlined the Animal Shelter’s protocol for dealing with strays. Residents can report stray dogs by calling the shelter. Staff then seek permission to set traps in the area to capture the animals. The shelter also encourages dog owners to adhere to Koror’s leash laws, which mandate that dogs be confined to their owner’s property or leashed and supervised when in public. Pet waste must be picked up and discarded appropriately.
Dog overpopulation remains a significant challenge, exacerbated by the rapid reproductive cycle of dogs. “Dogs can become pregnant at just six months old,” Sato noted. “With a gestation period of 65 days, a single dog can produce multiple litters annually, each with up to eight puppies.” He added that many owners lose interest in their dogs as they grow out of the puppy stage, which contributes to the stray population. The shelter urges spaying and neutering to curb this issue.
Rush Alfonso, an employee at the Koror Animal Shelter, called on the public to be responsible pet owners. “Owning a dog is a 15 to 16-year commitment,” he said. “It’s not something to abandon when the cute stage is over.”
The Animal Shelter continues to offer resources for spaying, neutering, and rehoming dogs to promote a safer community. For assistance, residents are encouraged to reach out to the shelter at 488-5645.
