Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration Committed to Professional Development
Mangilao, Guam – The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration is proud to announce that two Animal Control Officers with the Animal Health Division of the Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG) earned their Basic Animal Control Officer Certificates from the National Animal Control Association (NACA) on August 16, 2022. This is the first time national-level certification was pursued and attained by Guam’s Animal Control Officers.
“Our administration recognizes the value of personal growth and professional development, and we are proud that our DOAG personnel have seized these opportunities for advancement,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We join a grateful island in congratulating Animal Control Officers Shane Benavente and Mathew Demapan on this milestone achievement as we reaffirm our commitment to ensure that our employees thrive.”
“Following the success of the Spay & Neuter Island Pets (SNIP) Summer Sterilization Project, it is welcome news that those on the front lines of animal care and control are improving their ability to protect the welfare of our community,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “We thank the men and women of DOAG for their steadfast contributions to making a sustainable impact on the stray population and their dedication to serving our island.”
Animal Control Officers Shane Benavente and Mathew Demapan successfully completed the NACA’s required 20-hour course of study and exam. Both officers are currently preparing for the second level of NACA certification. NACA is setting the standard for professionalism in animal care and control, and provides officers methods for improving services, enhancing officer-public relationships, reducing liability and increasing efficiency in the field.
For more information, contact the DOAG Animal Health Division at 671-300-7964/7966 or quarantine@doag.guam.gov.
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