A study from the University of Queensland has shown that non-lethal cat management strategies can help save lives, reduce the stray cat population, and ease the emotional burden on staff involved in euthanizing animals.
Emeritus Professor Jacquie Rand, from the UQ School of Veterinary Science, explained that cats are more likely to be euthanized due to homelessness than from any single disease, highlighting the ineffectiveness of current management practices in Australia.
“We need a better solution for cats and animal management staff, who are at risk of developing mental health issues from euthanizing healthy cats and kittens,” said Professor Rand.
Co-author Dr. Rebekah Scotney added that the study found that programs offering free cat desexing, microchipping, and registration were highly effective.
“One local government-funded program that ran for eight years reduced cat impoundments by 66%, euthanasia by 82%, and complaints about nuisance animals by 36%,” Dr. Scotney explained.
Current Australian regulations require cat owners to confine, desex, microchip, and sometimes register their cats to avoid fines. However, Professor Rand argues this approach doesn’t address the root causes of stray cats in urban areas.
“People in disadvantaged communities, where free-roaming cats are most common, often can’t afford the costs of desexing and containment,” she said.
By removing financial barriers and penalties, Professor Rand suggests that communities would be more likely to cooperate with authorities and report stray cats without the fear of fines or euthanasia.
The study shows that community cat programs can be effective, as many people caring for stray cats will take responsibility for them if provided with support to get them desexed, microchipped, and registered.
Related Topics
