Evaluation of Population Management Based on Trap-Neuter-Return and Trap-Neuter-Adoption Practices in a Free-Roaming Cat Colony in the Federal District, Brazil

Ana Nira Nunes Junqueira; Paula Diniz Galera

doi:10.3390/ani14172478

Evaluation of Population Management Based on Trap-Neuter-Return and Trap-Neuter-Adoption Practices in a Free-Roaming Cat Colony in the Federal District, Brazil

Animals (Basel). 2024 Aug 26;14(17):2478. doi: 10.3390/ani14172478.

Authors

Ana Nira Nunes Junqueira^{1

2}, Paula Diniz Galera¹

Affiliations

¹ Veterinary Medicine College, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, DF, Brazil.
² Brasília Environmental Institute, Brasília 70.750-543, DF, Brazil.

Abstract

Overpopulation of domestic animals leads to various problems, such as the formation of feline colonies. Population management methods for these colonies have been studied previously; however, no scientific consensus has been reached. This study evaluated the use of trap-neuter-return (TNR) in a free-roaming cat colony in Brazil's Federal District. The study was conducted over 18 months and involved 157 cats that had not previously been managed. The experiment had three parts: recognition and preparation, TNR intervention, and monitoring. The results showed a 47.8% reduction in colony size. Additionally, 98.8% of the animals were sterilized. The adoption, death, disappearance, abandonment, and immigration rates were 19.7%, 14.0%, 14.0%, 7.6%, and 4.5%, respectively. The TNR experiment conducted in the proposed manner, which included detailed pre-planning, mass sterilization, active management, continuous monitoring, and educational actions, proved to be efficient and humane. However, guidelines aimed at managing animal populations, promoting adoption, preventing abandonment, and educating people about responsible pet ownership are essential for achieving sustainable results.

Keywords: cat management; cat overpopulation; free-roaming cats; trap–neuter–return.

Grants and funding

This research was partially funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) through the Graduate Support Program (PROAP). Sterilization was partially funded by the Brasília Environmental Institute, Government of the Federal District, through an accredited veterinary clinic, SEI process No. 391-00007759/2021-63. The animals were transported to a veterinary clinic by the Department of Public Works of the Federal District (SODF), SEI process No. 110-00001635/2021-83. Autopsy analyses were conducted at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Forensic Medicine (LPPV) of the University of Brasília. Veterinary care was provided by the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital at the University of Brasília, Brazil.