International Best Practice: Possible Solutions of the Stray Animal Problem

Abstract

Stray dog and cat overpopulation creates problems throughout the world regarding public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. There are no common European regulation concerning stray animal control, hence it is controlled on a national level which results in different approaches between the countries. Certain countries utilize reproductive control methods such as surgical (gonadectomy), and non-surgical methods (hormonal methods, immunological methods, and chemical or physical sclerotization methods). However, other countries attempt to decrease stray animals through lethal methods including euthanasia drugs, shooting, and poisoning. In addition to reproductive and lethal methods, effective and enforced legislation as well as educational courses on pet ownership are mentioned as possible control strategies.