Case Study: Companion Animal Overpopulation Programs

This study analyzes New Jersey’s and New Hampshire’s effective programs for companion animal overpopulation — and Maine’s relatively ineffective spay/neuter programs — and provides recommendations for a potentially successful program for Maine.

In 1984, New Jersey was the first state to aggressively address pet overpopulation with a statewide spay/neuter program. New Hampshire implemented a low-income, low-cost program in 1994. Both programs have successfully reduced the number of animals entering shelters and the costs of handling strays. In contrast, Maine funded a program in 1998, but its efforts were limited and the program was considered unsuccessful. This case study examines Maine’s program and compares it with the successful New Jersey and New Hampshire programs.

The study of the New Jersey and New Hampshire programs showed that a major factor for effectiveness is clearly adequate funding. Both were well-funded, while Maine’s was not. This research suggests that Maine’s program could be funded by increasing the dog licensing fee by a nominal amount.

A successful program would also require the participation of veterinarians, who would offer services on a voluntary or discounted rate, and of shelters, who would report their intake and euthanasia numbers to measure the success of the program. Likewise, public education is important, to teach people about the benefits of spay/neuter and the existence of the program.