Stray Control Methods in Estonia Special Seminar on Dogs & Cats Tallinn, Estonia, May 17 – 18th 2007 Louisa Tasker Companion Animals Unit World Society for the Protection of Animals 89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP louisatasker@wspa.org.uk

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) Non Government Organisation Headquarters in London Offices around the world (13) Consultancy status with Council of Europe and United Nations Work in conjunction with WHO – humane stray control

Animal Champions

WSPA’s vision and mission Our Vision A world where animal welfare matters, and animal cruelty ends Our Mission To build a united global animal welfare movement

Our work… Companion Animals Farm Animal Welfare Libearty Wildlife WhaleWatch Member Societies Education Universal Declaration Disaster Management

Working Around The World © WSPA © WSPA Working Around The World STRAY CONTROL WORKING EQUINES RPO COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION

Stray control Stray dogs and cats may experience poor welfare: Lack of veterinary care Malnutrition Disease Injury Inhumane control

Stray control Problems associated with stray animals Zoonotic disease Direct physical injury (bites and scratches) Environmental contamination Damage to property Nuisance factors

Stray control Effective, humane stray control Important for public health and safety Animal welfare

A survey of stray dog & cat control practices across Europe Jointly funded and commissioned by: World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) & Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International (RSPCA)

Survey of stray dog and cat control - Europe Aim Document methods used to control stray dogs and cats in Europe Objectives Update RSPCA International Survey – 1999 Identify countries that have been successful at stray control Identify what approaches have been successful

Questionnaire

Questionnaire distribution & responses WSPA Member Societies RSPCA International Associate Organizations Responses received from 32 groups Provided information from 30 European countries on stray dog and cat control

Survey results Considerable variation amongst European countries in effectiveness of stray control practices

Legislation Legislation relating to companion animals – stray control factors % Countries Legislation

Dogs licensing & registration Implanted Microchip (73%) Tattoo (50%) Both methods used with a collar and tag

Dog population trends Trends in owned dog population over 5 years

Stray dog population trends Trends in stray dog population over 5 years

Methods of stray dog control Culled – 21 % of countries – All reported that stray numbers continued to increase Catch Neuter Release – 3% of countries - Increased “dumping” Catch Neuter Release in combination with other methods – 17% of countries - Problems reported Catch Hold, Rehome or Euthanatise – 70 % of countries

Cat population trends Trends in owned cat population in 5 years

Stray cat population trends Unable to provide estimates None reported a decrease Source of stray cats – Difficult for groups to identify

Methods of stray cat control Culled – 21 % of countries Catch Neuter Release – 7% of countries - Problems Catch Neuter Release in combination with other methods – 33% of countries - Problems reported Catch Hold, Rehome or Euthanatise – 20 % of countries

Subsidized neutering 60 % of countries - reduced cost or free Schemes operated by: Animal welfare organizations Municipalities Often not available nationwide

Responsible pet ownership education 63% - education programmes targeted at owners - Animal welfare organisations Only 6 groups monitored the effects that an educational campaign had on owners: - Reported a change in owner attitude - A reduction in stray numbers in those locations

Countries successful at control Enacted and enforced legislation: Animal welfare, animal cruelty, abandonment and neglect Pet trade – markets, puppy farms or mills, pet shops and commercial breeders – often supplemented by codes of practice Both the breeding and selling of animals is regulated Compulsory registration often supplemented with a licensing or taxation system – can be used as an incentive for neutering or keeping low numbers of dogs Specified and compulsory permanent identification Dog control, leash laws, dog prohibited public areas Designated procedure for collection and management of strays Includes regulation and inspection of animal shelters

Cooperation Government and municipalities take the lead: Good cooperation between Police Environmental departments (dog wardens or environmental health officers) Animal welfare inspectors Non Government Organizations (Animal welfare groups) Veterinary authorities and department of animal health General public

Holding facilities Strays are collected Most owners are easily identified 80 – 100% dogs are re-united Owners may be required to pay a penalty or fine if their dog is collected Short-term and long-term holding facilities or fostering networks for rehoming – regulated and inspected to ensure high animal welfare standards Rehomed dogs are neutered, identified and vaccinated

Owner education Good, well established, responsible pet ownership programmes – same educational message is given through veterinary practices, animal welfare organizations, kennel clubs, animal welfare inspectors and municipal workers (dog wardens or environmental health officers) Nationwide

Neutering Not all countries that were successful at stray control advocated neutering of pets or offered subsidized neutering schemes. Pet reproduction was diligently controlled through responsible pet ownership and good dog control. Control unwanted reproduction of pets through education, neutering, enforced laws to prevent free-roaming or loose dogs, requiring breeders to be licensed and to control the sale and supply of pets by commercials practices.

Conclusions for successful stray control Coordinated, multifaceted and holistic approach to control Underpinned by effective and enforced legislation Involvement and cooperation with stakeholders

Acknowledgments Meeli Laane Senior specialist Tallinna Environment Department

Acknowledgements 32 groups that participated in the survey WSPA & RSPCA International for commissioning, funding and supporting the project