Document type: published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Perfilyeva, Olzhas Zhorayev, Kira Bespalova, Yuliya Perfilyeva
Abstract in French (translation): Comparative effectiveness of euthanasia and birth control in the management of stray animals: a systematic review
Introduction: This review evaluates the effectiveness of euthanasia and birth control interventions for the management of stray dogs (CNE) and cats (CTE) worldwide, across key outcome domains—demographic indicators, zoonotic disease indicators, shelter-related indicators, public indicators, animal welfare, ecological externalities, and cost-effectiveness—and identifies the contextual factors that determine the effectiveness of these interventions. Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted three separate systematic reviews in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (up to October 16, 2025) focusing on studies related to euthanasia, birth control, and modeling. Empirical data were synthesized using descriptive and stratified analyses. Modeling studies were synthesized to identify conditions associated with effectiveness. Results: Ninety-one empirical studies were included (33 on euthanasia; 58 on birth control), as well as 18 modeling studies. Birth control interventions were more frequently classified as effective than euthanasia, with statistically significant differences in effectiveness distributions between intervention types (p = 0.045). The effectiveness of euthanasia depended on the context and was largely limited to island systems, particularly for TSE, while euthanasia targeting non-TSE animals was rarely effective, especially for indicators of zoonotic diseases and public health indicators. Birth control—particularly long-term, multi-component programs—demonstrated superior effectiveness across all areas and in open continental environments. Temporal analyses have shown a decline in both the volume and reported effectiveness of studies on euthanasia since 2010, alongside an increasing number of geographically broader data supporting birth control. Modeling studies have identified high population coverage, sustainable implementation, and control of population inflow as key conditions for effectiveness. Conclusions: Euthanasia has limited and context-dependent effectiveness, whereas birth control, as part of integrated strategies, consistently yields more sustainable results across all areas. Effectiveness depends on coverage, duration, and addressing the factors driving population influx, particularly abandonment and uncontrolled reproduction.
Preview: Introduction: This review evaluates the effectiveness of culling and birth control interventions for managing free-roaming dogs (FRD) and cats (FRC) worldwide across key outcome domains-population metrics, zoonotic disease indicators, shelter indicators, public metrics, animal welfare, ecological externalities, and cost-effectiveness-and identifies contextual conditions determining intervention effectiveness. Methods: Following PRISMA, we conducted three separate systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (up to 16 October 2025) addressing culling, birth control, and modelling studies. Empirical evidence was synthesised using descriptive, stratified analyses. Modelling studies were synthesised to identify conditions associated with effectiveness. Results: Ninety-one empirical studies were included (33 culling; 58 birth control), alongside 18 modelling studies. Birth control interventions were more frequently classified as effective than culling, with statistically significant differences in effectiveness distributions between intervention types (p = 0.045). Culling effectiveness was context-dependent and largely confined to island systems, particularly for FRC, while FRD-targeted culling was rarely effective, especially for zoonotic disease indicators and public metrics. Birth control-particularly multi-component, long-term programmes-showed higher effectiveness across domains and in open mainland settings. Temporal analyses showed a decline in both the volume and reported effectiveness of culling studies since 2010, alongside increasing and geographically broader evidence for birth control. Modelling studies identified high population coverage, sustained implementation, and control of population inflow as key conditions for effectiveness. Conclusions: Culling has limited, context-dependent effectiveness, whereas birth control within integrated strategies more consistently achieves sustained outcomes across domains. Effectiveness depends on coverage, duration, and addressing drivers of population inflow, including abandonment and uncontrolled breeding.
