American Samoa has banned people from bringing cats and dogs which have not been spayed or neutered into the territory, as part of efforts to control its stray animal population.
Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has signed an executive order stating that the territory's stray animal problem has led to health, safety and nuisance issues for residents and visitors.
It also says importing pets which are not de-sexed has contributed to an increasing number of strays.
Every cat or dog brought into the territory will now be screened by quarantine officers.
