Saipan Animals Fight For Survival After Super Typhoon Sinlaku Devastates Islands

Animal welfare organizations have provided aid to more than 1,100 animals following the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Saipan Humane Society, Humane World for Animals, and the ASPCA delivered more than 2,000 veterinary and supply distribution services as communities struggled with widespread power outages, disrupted water and gasoline supplies, and severe shortages of veterinary care and pet food.

Responders and veterinarians were deployed to Saipan to establish and operate a temporary veterinary clinic that treated animals from more than 450 households.

According to the organizations, injured animals required stitches, limb and tail amputations, eye removal surgeries, heat stroke treatment, emergency dental surgery, parasite care, vaccinations, and emergency spay or neuter procedures.

“Typhoon Sinlaku has left a devastating impact on our community and the animals who depend on us,” said Amber Weston, executive director of Saipan Humane Society. “Animals are displaced, injured, and without access to basic necessities, while families are doing everything they can to keep and care for them in the midst of crisis.”

The ASPCA disaster response team worked with local agencies to distribute pet food, water, veterinary preventatives, and emergency supplies for displaced animals. Additional pet food shipments were also sent to support recovery operations.

Saipan Humane Society and Saipan Cares for Animals continue recovery efforts as national disaster teams begin demobilizing. Ongoing operations include veterinary care, spay and neuter services, and the distribution of critical supplies in a region with limited veterinary infrastructure.