Stray animals become on base nuisance

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Packs of stray dogs have been seen around Kadena Air Base which has caused concern for base officials and housing residents. These packs could be as large as 10 dogs or as few as three. Some dogs are commonly known as an Oki-mix or dogs that were brought over from the United States and then abandoned.

Regardless of how these animals were brought onto Kadena, they have also been the source of recent attacks on family pets and on other community members.

"Most families take special precautions and measures to ensure their pets are properly cared for," said Tech. Sgt. Dana Council, 18th Security Forces Squadron, NCO in charge of resource protection. "Unfortunately, far too many pets are being left to fend for themselves. Unattended animals have been causing too many problems for the Kadena community."

According to 18th Wing Instruction 48-107, pet owners are required to register their animals with Kadena veterinary services and maintain control of their pets at all times.

"All pets living in military housing on Okinawa are required to be registered with the Okinawa Branch Veterinary Treatment Facility," said Army Maj. Connie W. Schmitt, Okinawa Branch Veterinary Service. "The process is simple. You just need to come in and fill out a single form to register and start a record for your pet at the Veterinary Clinic. If a pet doesn't have a microchip, owners should have one implanted at the veterinary clinic."

Veterinary service officials said the best thing people can do to prevent encounters with stray animals is to make sure their pets are always on a leash when they're in their yards.

"If your dog is loose, there is little you can do to stop him charging up to a stray animal and possibly provoking a fight," Maj. Schmitt said. "So, keep them close for their own safety. Most of the stray dogs are active at the first light of day and at dusk, so it is especially important to control your dogs at these times of day."

Owners can leave pets outside as long as they are secured in a fenced-in area. Gates must have a locking mechanism with the ability to prevent inadvertent escape of the pet or someone from gaining access to the animal. By installing a fence, the pet owner has reasonably warned the general public to stay clear of the fenced-in area. According to security forces, placing a stake in the ground and attaching a rope, chain or cable to pets is not considered sufficient warning to people passing by that residence. The owner may be held liable if a pet is involved in an incident within the owner's residence and yard. Also, pets are not allowed in public facilities, gathering places, parks or at special events.

Owners must also ensure pets left outside have sufficient food, water and shelter for the duration of their absences. Second, owners must leave pets in a secured chain-link fenced area or in the residence when departing the quarters. The pet must also have adequate ventilation and will not be left unattended for more than 12 hours at any one given time.

"Pets left unsecured or outside a chain-link fence will be picked up by 18th SFS Animal Control and turned over to Karing Kennels," Sergeant Council said. "If an animal presents a danger to the public, the animal will be impounded immediately at the owner's expense for a minimum of 10 days. All costs or fees incurred during the capture or impoundment will be the responsibility of the owner. Pet owners will also be formally charged if they fail to control their animals."

According to the veterinary services, when pet owners decide they do not want to take their pet with them, they should first try to place it in a new home. If they cannot find anyone to take their pet, they can turn the pet over to Karing Kennels for adoption. Before leaving Okinawa, pet owners must deregister their pets prior to PCS moves, or changes in ownership.

"Of course, there are fees for turning in unwanted pets," Maj. Schmitt said. "You can also turn your pet over to one of several other adoption agencies in Okinawa."

If anyone witnesses a group of stray dogs, annotate their location, direction of travel, as well as the number of dogs in the pack and report this information immediately to the security forces control center at 634-2475. Kadena members should not attempt to capture stray animals, but simply, report it directly to security forces.

For more information and for questions or concerns, contact security forces police services at 634-0714.

(Editor's note: Tech. Sgt. Dana Council, 18th Security Forces Squadron, contributed to this article)