1. 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

2. 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

3. Animal Champions

4. 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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. Questionnaire

13. 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

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

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

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

17. Dog population trends
Trends in owned dog population over 5 years

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

19. 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

20. Cat population trends
Trends in owned cat population in 5 years

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

22. 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

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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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.

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

31. Acknowledgments Meeli Laane Senior specialist
Tallinna Environment Department

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