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

Abstract

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.

Effects of a Geographically-Targeted Intervention and Creative Outreach to Reduce Shelter Intake in Portland, Oregon

“…The intervention area in Portland was approximately five square miles in size, was determined based on shelter intake, and was compared to control areas of the same size within the same county. Kass [2] and Scarlett [3] were both county level studies, White [4] studied the state of New Hampshire and the work in Austin [4] was based on zip codes that were not selected based on shelter intake. The county and state study area sizes could have made it more difficult to find solid changes and attribute those changes primarily to the spay/neuter clinic (the intervention).…”

“…Their results are varied but suggest that cat intake may be more sensitive to spay/neuter efforts than dogs [2]- [4]. They also illustrate some of the difficulties in studying community level interventions including needing very large numbers of animals receiving spay/neuter to have an impact.…”

“…A third article summarized data from two different programs in different parts of the country for the effect of spay/neuter on shelter intake and euthanasia [4]. The New Hampshire state program included shelter spay/neuter as well as low income owner spay/neuter services for their dogs and cats.…”

The Australian excess cat population: An exploration of cat admissions and outcomes to RSPCA shelters

“…Sterilisation clearly plays a significant role in excess cat management, both nationally and internationally. A recent U.S. study demonstrated a significant decrease in cat admissions and euthanasia at local shelters after a government-funded sterilisation initiative was introduced (White, Jefferson et al 2010). Indeed, mandatory spay or neutering has often been considered by welfare groups, government and councils as a possible legislative requirement, to be introduced with the intention of reducing the cat population and therefore the number of cat admissions to shelters (Marsh 2010).…”

“…Similarly, Marston (2009) Ensuring cats are sterilised before they are able to reproduce will continue to be an important strategy in reducing the number of excess and unwanted kittens admitted to shelters in Australia and the U.S. (Marsh 2010, White, Jefferson et al 2010). Many relinquished animals have visited a veterinarian prior to relinquishment (Salman, New et al 1998).…”