Samoa's Parliament has passed legislation requiring dogs to be licenced and allowing for the prosecution of owners who do not comply.
The measure aims to improve security and overcome a stray dog problem.
When the legislation was discussed this week in Parliament the Opposition questioned the high cost of the licences and asked the government to reconsider.
The former minister of police, Toleafoa Apulu Faafisi, suggested that dog meat could be sold to countries where it is a delicacy or it could be used as feed by farmers.
The Samoa Animal Protection Society is currently working with the beautification committee of the Tourism Authority and the Police in a programme to try and eradicate stray dogs.