Impact of Publicly Sponsored Neutering Programs on Animal Population Dynamics at Animal Shelters: The New Hampshire and Austin Experiences

This study found that government-funded surgical sterilization of companion animals has been widely promoted as a means of decreasing shelter intake and euthanasia. However, little information is available about the true impact of these programs on community and shelter nonhuman animal population dy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied animal welfare science 2010-01, Vol.13 (3), p.191-212
Main Authors: White, Sara C, Jefferson, Ellen, Levy, Julie K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal control
Animal euthanasia
Animal Population Control Program
Animal populations
animal rescue shelters
Animal shelters
animal welfare
Animal Welfare - statistics & numerical data
Animals
case studies
castration
Castration - veterinary
Cats
Dogs
euthanasia
Euthanasia, Animal - statistics & numerical data
Federal funding
feral animals
Impact analysis
New Hampshire
pets
Population Control - methods
population dynamics
Regression analysis
shelter intake
spaying
Spaying & neutering
species differences
Studies
temporal variation
Texas
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Summary:This study found that government-funded surgical sterilization of companion animals has been widely promoted as a means of decreasing shelter intake and euthanasia. However, little information is available about the true impact of these programs on community and shelter nonhuman animal population dynamics. This study estimated the impact of the Animal Population Control Program in New Hampshire by comparing shelter intake and euthanasia data before and after the onset of the neutering initiative. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in cat intake and euthanasia during the years after program onset, a trend that appears to begin prior to the program's initiation; however, there was no decrease in dog intake or euthanasia. This study also estimated the impact of the Austin-based EmanciPET Free Spay/Neuter Program by comparing shelter intake and euthanasia data from the targeted program areas versus nonprogram areas within the city. Regression analysis demonstrated a significantly lower rate of increase for dog and cat intake and euthanasia in the program areas. Prospective studies should determine the effectiveness and affordability of different models for funding and delivering neutering services.
ISSN:1088-8705
1532-7604
DOI:10.1080/10888700903579903