Stray dogs in Europe - Problems and solutions. Alexandra Hammond-Seaman RSPCA International

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1 Stray dogs in Europe - Problems and solutions Alexandra Hammond-Seaman RSPCA International TAIEX, Belgrade, October, 2011

2 Introduction to the RSPCA Mission The RSPCA will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of all animals

3 Introduction to the RSPCA Status Founded in 1824, world s oldest animal welfare organisation Concern for all animals Charity, no government funding Investigates and prosecutes breaches of UK animal welfare law Lobbies, campaigns and educates Animal centres, hospitals, 1,650 staff

4 Introduction to the RSPCA Science 30 scientific staff, 4 departments Produce campaign reports, standards Commission independent research Advise government, sit on scientific panels

5 Introduction to the RSPCA International programmes Europe East Asia Southern Africa

6 Introduction to the RSPCA Approach to international work Develop country-specific and regional knowledge Understand where the country s priorities lie Seek out effective partners government, academics, NGOs Demonstrate long-term commitment Deliver practical support aid, training, advice

7 An overview of the problem (overpopulation or not?) Good Improving Poor and not improving

8 Dog population management Where do they come from? TAIEX, Belgrade, October 2011

9 Dog population management Legislation overview in Europe 87% have legislation that covers AW and the protection of animals 70% of countries prohibit abandonment 50% restrict selling and breeding of dogs 42% had national legislation that specifically addresses pet ownership (dog control laws) 70% compulsory identification and licensing but report little effect due to poor implementation in 48% and little effect on stray dog numbers TAIEX, Belgrade, October 2011

10 Dog population management Related costs in EU MSs France 17 million dogs and cats 1 million puppies sold per year dogs abandoned each year Only 530 shelters for villages = 70 villages per shelter Cost Fondation BB 2 million SPA 27 million UK 14 million dogs and cats 100 rehoming centres abandoned animals Cost shelters RSPCA 53 Million TAIEX, Belgrade October 2011

11 Dog population management Trends in stray dogs in Europe Remain constant No strays Increased Decreased No information TAIEX, Belgrade October 2011

12 Dog population management Methods of stray dog control in Europe Caught Culled Combination CNR Not stated In those countries that caught strays 10 (32%) euthanized animals at the end of the holding period, 2 (6%) euthanized upon capture, and 3(10%) did not legally permit the euthanasia of healthy dogs. TAIEX, Belgrade, October 2011

13 Unwanted animals taken in by the RSPCA 350, , , , , ,000 Taken in Euthanised Rehomed 50,

14 Trends in companion animals: numbers stray dogs in UK stray dogs /6 2006/7 Numbers strays rehomed Euthanised

15 Two approaches No kill: Catch Neuter release Advantages: No kill Disadvantages: doesn t stop the problem, still have noise, pollution; abandonementis illegal under CofE Welfare implications (cruelty, malnourishment, RTAs) Allow euthanasia Shelter and adoption Advantages: teaches RPO, takes animals off the streets Disadvantages: low adoption rates, shelter overcrowding, poor euthanasia and standards

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17 Good news 87% of countries have legislation 70% of countries prohibit abandonment 50% restrict selling and breeding of dogs 61% of countries have laws on RPO

18 Bad news Only 13 countries have legislation on who can own pets 9 countries don t enforce abandonement legislation Most legislation not enforced properly Poor state of shelters and catching No accurate data

19 How organisations can help Animal welfare organisationsare working on the ground so have experience and data Local authorities need to implement Veterinarians need to neuter and chip Focus on owned animals-stray dogs just a symptom

20 Solutions Assess problem: good data Legislation and enforce legislation Set standards: train catchers, shelter personnel Set up stakeholder committee Undertake responsible pet ownership work

21 Solutions 2 Responsible pet ownership Reduce supply of dogs: dog breeding, pet selling Abandonement made illegal Age of owning dogs Educate: standards on keeping Registration and identification Encourage neutering: work with vets

22 Future DPM framework developed at the EU level Pressure to implement humane methods increases Abandoning animals less tolerated Public become more educated Ngos become more relevant

23 Dog population management Where are the perceived challenges? Social Political Legal Economic Scientific Environmental Technological TAIEX, Belgrade October 2011

24 Dog population management The policy and research needs Investing in the initial assessment-this is a societal problem so the focus needs to be on the community as much as on the animals themselves. Defining key outcome indicators to precede DPM intervention and to measure impact. Baseline data collection for cost benefit analysis to measure effectiveness, economic sustainability and determine what works while safeguarding the principles of good welfare. Monitoring, evaluation and review to feed back into policy making/refinement. Developing specific indicators to address the multiple facets of this issue. TAIEX, Belgrade, October 2011

25 Western Balkans Veterinary Network A unique platform for the advancement of animal welfare through research, education and professional training.

26 WBVN- Participants Countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, UNMIK- Kosovo, Montenegro, R. of Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey Institutions State Veterinary Departments, Agricultural and Veterinary faculties, Veterinary organisations, Meat Industry, Farming associations, NGOs External partners: FVE, TAIEX, Bristol University-Department of farm animal science, IRTA-Barcelona

27 Thank you for your attention.

28 WBVN- Improving companion animal management The aim of the Network is to contribute towards the creation of a humane, practical and scientific approach to stray animal control in the region.

29 WBVN- Improving companion animal management The work of the WBVN Companion Animal Coalition has three objectives: Knowledge transfer Scientific research Capacity building

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31 Thank you!