Abstract
A survey of Brisbane residents was undertaken to investigate community attitudes toward urban stray cats and their management. Surveys were distributed to 84 medical and dental practices across Brisbane City, and were completed by 305 patients and staff. Practices were targeted to achieve a sample of respondents from a representative distribution of socioeconomic backgrounds. After being informed about trap, neuter, and return (TNR) programs for management of urban stray cats, most respondents (79%), chose TNR as their preferred management strategy, while a lesser proportion (18%) expressed a preference to continue the current Brisbane City Council lethal control program (catching and culling ~1,000 cats annually), and 3.4% selected to leave the cats alone. Differences in beliefs and attitudes toward urban stray cats as a function of demographic variables were investigated. Statistical analyses indicated that respondents who were male, older, non-cat owners, those who believed euthanasia of stray cats was humane, and that urban stray cats spread disease to humans were significantly more likely to express a preference for lethal control, as opposed to non-lethal population management. Based on these findings, we recommend that information is disseminated to mitigate these concerns or negative beliefs, where warranted. Ultimately, findings from this study demonstrate that current Queensland legislation does not reflect public views and opinions on stray cat management and should be reviewed. Formal research evaluating the efficacy of TNR programs for urban stray cats in Australia would be in the public interest.
Highlights
Like many countries, in urban areas of Australia, unowned cats result in complaints to local government bodies responsible for animal management, and result in costs associated with mitigating these complaints
Results of this study have shown that for most Brisbane City residents, when awareness is raised about the problem of urban stray cats and management strategies, the majority are supportive of a TNR community program with little or no persuasion required
Findings from this study indicate that appealing to the practicality of TNR is likely the optimal strategy in disseminating information that will appeal to all demographic groups
Summary
In urban areas of Australia, unowned cats result in complaints to local government bodies responsible for animal management, and result in costs associated with mitigating these complaints. Effective interventions are needed to manage the Public Opinions Stray Cats Brisbane stray cat population, which in turn will reduce costs associated with mitigating such complaints. Australia’s urban stray cat population is estimated at ∼1.2–2 million (10). The number of stray cats is estimated to be 60–100 per 1,000 human residents (11–13), but may be higher or lower depending on the location (14). 85% of cats admitted to Australian municipal animal facilities and 50–70% admitted to animal welfare shelters are urban strays, and on average 48–56% of all impounded cats across Australia are euthanized (12, 15–17). Workers experience other mental and physical health issues such as depression, substance abuse, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, and increased risk of suicide (18–20)
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