Addressing the Problem of Pet Overpopulation: The Experience of New Hanover County Animal Control Services

Pet overpopulation is a problem for humans not only because of the increased rabies exposure risk but also because it puts a strain on animal control agencies, which must care for, house, and often euthanize the unwanted animals. New Hanover County, North Carolina, Animal Control Services saw the ne...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of public health management and practice 2006-09, Vol.12 (5), p.452-455
Main Authors: McNeil, Jean, Constandy, Elisabeth
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Animals, Domestic
Castration
Health technology assessment
North Carolina
Population Control
Population Density
Public Health Administration - education
Public Health Administration - methods
Schools, Public Health
Sterilization, Reproductive
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Summary:Pet overpopulation is a problem for humans not only because of the increased rabies exposure risk but also because it puts a strain on animal control agencies, which must care for, house, and often euthanize the unwanted animals. New Hanover County, North Carolina, Animal Control Services saw the need to control this problem and developed a plan to diminish the number of unwanted companion animals in its community. With the help of training through the UNC Management Academy for Public Health, they created a successful business plan to build an on-site spay/neuter facility. The facility began operations in 2004. As of January 31, 2006, a total of 1,108 surgeries had been completed in the new facility, with no added cost to taxpayers. The facility has been a success for Animal Control Services, the Health Department, and the community as a whole.
ISSN:1078-4659
1550-5022
DOI:10.1097/00124784-200609000-00008