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Animals
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Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations
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Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Companion Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2019) | Viewed by 100790

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Lisa Collins

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Interests: animal health and welfare epidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Countries globally are faced with the challenge of how to successfully control stray animal populations, such as stray cats and dogs. Stray animals can be seen as a nuisance, threatening public health through the spread of zoonotic diseases, and impacting on the conservation of other species. In addition, stray animals may experience poorer welfare themselves through a lack of resources, such as shelter, food and water. Different methods of stray population control include culling, sheltering and fertility control. In recent years, fertility control through trap-neuter-return has become a popular method of controlling both stray cat and dog populations. This method has been used with the aim to reduce stray animal numbers, improve stray animal health and reduce the risk of disease transmission to both humans and other species. However, the sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of trap-neuter-return and other methods of fertility control require consideration. In particular, the impact of trap-neuter-return on the stray population size, public health risk, public perception, environmental impact and animal welfare needs to be assessed in order to determine whether the method is effective and efficient in achieving its goal. Moreover, it is important to determine the long-term sustainability of the trap-neuter-return method.

For this Special Issue, we invite original research papers and frontier review articles relating to the sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of trap-neuter-return and other methods as a control strategy for stray population numbers, zoonotic disease transmission, public perception, animal health and welfare, economics and environmental impacts.

Prof. Lisa Collins
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • stray animals
  • stray cat
  • stray dog
  • population management
  • population dynamics
  • trap-neuter-return
  • catch-neuter-return
  • fertility control
  • impact assessment
  • sustainability assessment

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4633 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Return-to-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return on Feline Intake and Euthanasia at a Municipal Animal Shelter in Jefferson County, Kentucky
by Daniel D. Spehar and Peter J. Wolf
Animals 2020, 10(8), 1395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10081395 - 11 Aug 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 11853
Abstract
The number of cats and dogs impounded and euthanized at animal shelters in the USA has declined dramatically in recent decades. The Humane Society of the United States reported that in 1973 an estimated 13.5 million cats and dogs were euthanized nationwide; according [...] Read more.
The number of cats and dogs impounded and euthanized at animal shelters in the USA has declined dramatically in recent decades. The Humane Society of the United States reported that in 1973 an estimated 13.5 million cats and dogs were euthanized nationwide; according to Best Friends Animal Society, in 2018 that number had been reduced to approximately 733,000. A disproportionate number of animals euthanized at shelters today are free-roaming feral and stray cats, who most often face euthanasia due to their temperament or a lack of shelter space. Over the past decade, two new management tactics—return-to-field (RTF) and targeted trap-neuter-return (TNR)—have exhibited the capacity to contribute to significant reductions in feline euthanasia and intake. The present study examines changes in feline euthanasia and intake, as well as impacts on additional metrics, at a municipal animal shelter in Jefferson County, KY, USA, after an RTF program was added to an ongoing community-based TNR program. A combined total of 24,697 cats were trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and returned over 8 years as part of the concurrent RTF and TNR programs. Feline euthanasia at Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) declined by 94.1% and feline intake dropped by 42.8%; the live-release rate (LRR) increased by 147.6% due primarily to reductions in both intake and euthanasia. The results of the present study corroborate prior research on the effectiveness of combining RTF and TNR and exemplify the flexibility available to communities in configuring such programs to align with their particular needs and resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations)
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25 pages, 1062 KiB  
Article
Response to Wolf et al.: Furthering Debate over the Suitability of Trap-Neuter-Return for Stray Cat Management
by Michael C. Calver, Heather M. Crawford and Patricia A. Fleming
Animals 2020, 10(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020362 - 23 Feb 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7834
Abstract
To continue dialogue over proposed Australian trials of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), we applied a framework requiring identification of areas of agreement, areas of disagreement, and identification of empirical data collection required to resolve disagreements. There is agreement that Australia has a problem with stray [...] Read more.
To continue dialogue over proposed Australian trials of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), we applied a framework requiring identification of areas of agreement, areas of disagreement, and identification of empirical data collection required to resolve disagreements. There is agreement that Australia has a problem with stray cats, causing problems of impacts on wildlife, nuisance, disease transmission (including public health issues and exchange of diseases between stray cat and pet cat populations), poor welfare outcomes for stray cats, and an emotional burden on staff euthanising healthy stray cats. There is disagreement on whether (i) current measures are failing, leading to unacceptably high euthanasia levels, (ii) some contributors to the debate misunderstand TNR, (iii) TNR trials will reduce urban cat populations and associated problems, (iv) TNR is an ethical solution to cat overpopulation, and (v) some contributors to the debate promulgated misinformation. Although not everyone agrees that TNR trials should proceed, as a hypothetical exploration, we propose an experimental approach explicitly comparing TNR to alternatives. Trials could only be considered if other detailed and well-funded attempts at stray cat control focusing across an entire Local Government Area (LGA) prove ineffective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations)
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15 pages, 1647 KiB  
Article
Neutering Effects on Social Behaviour of Urban Unowned Free-Roaming Domestic Cats
by Simona Cafazzo, Roberto Bonanni and Eugenia Natoli
Animals 2019, 9(12), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121105 - 9 Dec 2019
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7605
Abstract
The “trap, spay/neuter, and release” programs to manage unowned free-roaming cat populations are diffused worldwide and they are largely advised even in countries where the suppression of unowned cats is enforced by law. Despite the massive neutering campaigns in the world, there is [...] Read more.
The “trap, spay/neuter, and release” programs to manage unowned free-roaming cat populations are diffused worldwide and they are largely advised even in countries where the suppression of unowned cats is enforced by law. Despite the massive neutering campaigns in the world, there is little information on the influence of neutering on individual cat behaviour, as well as on the social structure of cat colonies. The aim of this study is to verify such effects. Before neutering, the group consisted of 17 free-roaming domestic cats, who were totally unrestrained. After neutering it consisted of 16 individuals. Data on the outcomes of aggressive, submissive, affiliative, and territorial behaviour were collected, using classic ethological methods (“focal animal”, “all occurrences”, and “1/0” sampling methods) (735 h of observation before and 537 h after neutering). The dominance hierarchy did not change after neutering. On the other hand, the frequency of aggressive, territorial behaviour as well as proximity among individuals decreased significantly. Affiliative behaviour has been observed among neutered adult males that never performed it before neutering. The results of this study suggest that, after neutering: (i) The group of free-ranging cats was stable over time; (ii) the hierarchical structure of the cat social group did not change; (iii) the general level of activity, decreased; (iv) urine spraying marking behaviour almost disappeared; (v) the level of social proximity among group members decreased, although it tended to increase in some male–male dyads. The most obvious effect of neutering, detected on individual behaviour, was that cats were less active. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations)
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14 pages, 1912 KiB  
Article
Back to School: An Updated Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Long-Term Trap-Neuter-Return Program on a University’s Free-Roaming Cat Population
by Daniel D. Spehar and Peter J. Wolf
Animals 2019, 9(10), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100768 - 8 Oct 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 12121
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that trap-neuter-return (TNR) is not only effective at reducing community cat numbers, but that such reductions are sustainable over extended periods. Recently, a series of peer-reviewed articles documenting long-term declines in community cat populations associated with TNR [...] Read more.
A growing body of evidence indicates that trap-neuter-return (TNR) is not only effective at reducing community cat numbers, but that such reductions are sustainable over extended periods. Recently, a series of peer-reviewed articles documenting long-term declines in community cat populations associated with TNR have been published. The present study adds to this pool of evidence by updating and reexamining results reported from the campus of the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2003 by Levy et al. From 1991 to 2019, a total of 204 cats were enrolled in a volunteer-run TNR program on the university grounds; 10 cats (5%) remained on site at the conclusion of the present study. The campus community cat population declined by 85% between 1996, the year an initial census (indicating the presence of 68 cats) was completed, and 2019. In addition, 11 of 16 total colonies were eliminated over a 28-year period. These results occurred despite significant growth in enrollment at UCF over the same time frame, which suggests that with sufficient ongoing management of colony sites, declines in community cat populations associated with TNR are sustainable over long periods and under varying conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations)
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14 pages, 1917 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Outcome Data for Shelter Dogs and Cats in the Czech Republic
by Veronika Vojtkovská, Eva Voslářová and Vladimír Večerek
Animals 2019, 9(9), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9090595 - 22 Aug 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4816
Abstract
Animal protection, which also comprises the subject of abandoned and stray animals, has become a pressing and widely discussed topic. The aim of this study was to compare dogs and cats from two shelters in a selected region of the Czech Republic, based [...] Read more.
Animal protection, which also comprises the subject of abandoned and stray animals, has become a pressing and widely discussed topic. The aim of this study was to compare dogs and cats from two shelters in a selected region of the Czech Republic, based on factors that affect the length of stay. The following factors were analyzed: outcome, sex, age, and purebred status. A total of 419 cats and 2580 dogs housed in the monitored shelters from 2013 to 2016 were included in the analysis. The results show that dogs (n = 1343; 52.1%) are returned to their owners significantly more often (p < 0.001) than cats (n = 10; 2.4%). Dogs stayed in the shelter significantly (p < 0.001) less time than cats regardless of the outcome (the median length of stay of dogs were 3 days, while that of cats was 51 days). Also the length of stay in the shelter until adoption is shorter in dogs than in cats (dogs: median 27 days; cats: median 53 days). Median length of stay tended to increase with the increasing age in both species. Monitored age categories of dogs and cats differed significantly (p < 0.05) in their median length of stay (LOS) until adoption. We found that purebred status does not affect the length of stay in the shelter until adoption, either in dogs or in cats. Overall, our results suggest that dogs are preferred over cats in the Czech Republic. Shelter operators should take into account this aspect affecting animal adoption. By targeted efforts and education of public, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects of favoring a certain category of animals over others. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations)
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Review

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30 pages, 595 KiB  
Review
The Effectiveness of Dog Population Management: A Systematic Review
by Lauren M. Smith, Sabine Hartmann, Alexandru M. Munteanu, Paolo Dalla Villa, Rupert J. Quinnell and Lisa M. Collins
Animals 2019, 9(12), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121020 - 22 Nov 2019
Cited by 82 | Viewed by 20667
Abstract
The worldwide population of domestic dogs is estimated at approximately 700 million, with around 75% classified as “free-roaming”. Where free-roaming dogs exist in high densities, there are significant implications for public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. Approaches to manage dog populations include culling, [...] Read more.
The worldwide population of domestic dogs is estimated at approximately 700 million, with around 75% classified as “free-roaming”. Where free-roaming dogs exist in high densities, there are significant implications for public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. Approaches to manage dog populations include culling, fertility control, and sheltering. Understanding the effectiveness of each of these interventions is important in guiding future dog population management. We present the results of a systematic review of published studies investigating dog population management, to assess: (1) where and when studies were carried out; (2) what population management methods were used; and (3) what was the effect of the method. We evaluated the reporting quality of the published studies for strength of evidence assessment. The systematic review resulted in a corpus of 39 papers from 15 countries, reporting a wide disparity of approaches and measures of effect. We synthesised the management methods and reported effects. Fertility control was most investigated and had the greatest reported effect on dog population size. Reporting quality was low for power calculations (11%), sample size calculations (11%), and the use of control populations (17%). We provide recommendations for future studies to use common metrics and improve reporting quality, study design, and modelling approaches in order to allow better assessment of the true impact of dog population management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations)
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37 pages, 1973 KiB  
Review
A Case of Letting the Cat out of The Bag—Why Trap-Neuter-Return Is Not an Ethical Solution for Stray Cat (Felis catus) Management
by Heather M. Crawford, Michael C. Calver and Patricia A. Fleming
Animals 2019, 9(4), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9040171 - 16 Apr 2019
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 24573
Abstract
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, in which stray cats are captured, neutered and returned to the environment are advocated as a humane, ethical alternative to euthanasia. We review the TNR literature in light of current debate over whether or not there should be further TNR [...] Read more.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, in which stray cats are captured, neutered and returned to the environment are advocated as a humane, ethical alternative to euthanasia. We review the TNR literature in light of current debate over whether or not there should be further TNR trials in Australia. We revisit the problems arising from stray cats living in association with human habitation and estimate how many stray cats would have to be processed through a scientifically-guided TNR program to avoid high euthanasia rates. We also identify 10 ethical and welfare challenges that have to be addressed: we consider the quality of life for stray cats, where they would live, whether the TNR process itself is stressful, whether TNR cats are vulnerable to injury, parasites and disease, can be medically treated, stray cats’ body condition and diet, and their impacts on people, pet cats, and urban wildlife, especially endemic fauna. We conclude that TNR is unsuitable for Australia in almost all situations because it is unlikely to resolve problems caused by stray cats or meet ethical and welfare challenges. Targeted adoption, early-age desexing, community education initiatives and responsible pet ownership have greater promise to minimize euthanasia, reduce numbers rapidly, and address the identified issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Dynamics, Risks and Control of Stray Animal Populations)
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