Guam vet conducts euth-tech training

03/14/25 - Veterinarian doctor Mariana Turner earlier this week conducted euth-tech training in line with the recently enacted Public Law 23-22 that essentially established and authorized the use of legend drugs and controlled substances for euthanasia by animal control agencies and humane societies in the CNMI.

Turner, who works for Guam’s Department of Agriculture and a contract veterinarian for the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources, said a total of seven staff from the Saipan Humane Society, Saipan Mayor’s Office’s Animal Control Program, and DLNR’s Animal Health Division took part in the two-day training.

“In July of last year, we did pass the euthanasia law here locally to allow for humane societies and animal control officers to provide euthanasia services without the direct supervision of a veterinarian. And part of what they need to do to be able to qualify for that is to have euthanasia training. That's what I'm doing with this visit so that we can set them up to perform euthanasia services under my indirect supervision, starting with this training.” 

Turner said euth-tech training was essential because currently the CNMI has no practicing veterinarian since the well-deserved retirement of Dr. Ignacio T. Dela Cruz.

“[His retirement] left this gap where dog control could pick up animals, but they had no way to do anything with them after because nobody owns them. They would just be sitting in the kennels and so we needed to be able to provide humane euthanasia for them. What would happen is Saipan Humane Society was able to receive some of the training to start doing humane euthanasia procedures and provide that for them once a week so that they can keep their operations going.”

The only problem was since there was no veterinarian on island, SHS staff could only use non-controlled substances to provide euthanasia services, which Turner said works, but was a lengthier process than using controlled substances.

“I think the biggest benefit of moving toward using these controlled substances is it’s more humane for the animal. There's less suffering involved using these controlled drugs. That's the biggest benefit is really just less suffering for the animals. And people who perform euthanasia oftentimes like have some compassion for the animals. It's a very difficult job to do and so if we can do it in the most humane way possible, it just makes it easier both for the animal and the technician that's performing it,” she said.

SHS Executive Director Guadalupe Attao, meanwhile, thanked Turner as the euth-tech training she conducted was incredibly valuable to help control the islands’ animal population.

“It provided essential hands-on knowledge about proper euthanasia techniques, ensuring the process is carried out safely, humanely, and in accordance with best practices. From correct handling and drug administration to maintaining a calm and compassionate environment for both the animal and the team, this training reinforced the importance of precision and care in every step. It also highlighted how we can approach conversations about euthanasia with our community in a way that fosters understanding and compassion. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Mariana Turner for her time and expertise in facilitating this training. Her guidance ensures that our team is better equipped to provide humane and ethical care for the animals we serve.”

Attao said the euth-tech training helps the CNMI control its animal population by ensuring that euthanasia, when necessary, is performed humanely, ethically, and in accordance with best practices. 

“While our primary focus is on proactive population control methods such as spay and neuter programs, euthanasia remains an unfortunate reality for animals that are suffering, severely ill, or beyond rehabilitation. By equipping our team with proper techniques and compassionate communication skills, this training ensures that end-of-life decisions are carried out with the utmost care and respect. It also reinforces the importance of community education, helping the public understand the role of responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter initiatives, and humane population management in reducing the number of unwanted or suffering animals in the CNMI.”

With the help of SHS, the Animal Control Program conducts from 80 to 160 euthanasia procedures every month. Its animal shelter currently houses 40 dogs.

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Story by Mark Rabago