World Urban Forum: Key Insights from Positive Cities Launch
Unmanaged dog and cat populations present significant challenges to cities globally, but humane dog and cat population management delivers compelling, measurable benefits for people and animals.
The evidence is clear: population management prevents dog bites and zoonotic diseases like rabies – which claims 59,000 lives annually – whilst delivering substantial public health cost savings. It fosters skilled job creation in veterinary services and community engagement, enhances public safety by reducing dog bites and animal-related traffic accidents, and improves the quality of urban spaces for diverse stakeholders, from children to local businesses.
Through effective population management, cities advance SDG-3 (Health) and SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities) while creating liveable, resilient communities where both people and animals thrive.
Explore below: 10 ways dog and cat population management benefits animals, people, and communities.
1
Health Risks Drop Sharply
D/CPM prevents zoonotic diseases like rabies - which claims 59,000 lives annually. Cities with effective programmes observe fewer dog bites and improved mental health from positive human-animal interactions.2
Jobs Emerge Quickly
New employment springs up across veterinary services, animal welfare, and community engagement. Bangkok's programme alone has created hundreds of skilled positions since 2016.3
Streets Become Safer
Cities with D/CPM programmes observe fewer dog-related traffic accidents, less noise, and cleaner environments. Cape Town's success shows how managed populations supports neighbourhood safety.4
Communities Grow Stronger
When cities manage their animal populations humanely, residents feel safer in public spaces and experience fewer neighbourhood conflicts, fostering stronger, more connected communities.5
Development Goals Advance
D/CPM programmes directly support several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).6
Costs Fall Noticeably
Prevention proves cheaper than crisis response. Mass vaccination and sterilisation programmes cost far less than treating rabies cases or managing dog bite incidents.7
Public Spaces Improve
Residents use parks and streets more when cities manage their animal populations effectively. Tourists and visitors feel safer, and cities become more attractive.8
Poverty Risks Reduce
Fewer families face financial crisis from the health costs associated with zoonotic diseases, animal bites, and accidents caused by animals. Meanwhile, new jobs in animal care and management provide valuable employment opportunities in urban communities.9
Partnerships Flourish
Successful programmes bring together local government, NGOs, veterinary businesses, and communities. These collaborations often spark wider urban improvements.10
Children Thrive Better
Protection from witnessing animal violence through cruel and ineffective stray control supports healthy child development and children’s rights. Cities with humane animal management help children develop compassion and respect for life, while reducing exposure to psychological trauma. When communities prevent animal cruelty, they simultaneously protect children's rights and promote positive values.
Ready to explore more? Please explore the rest of our website to discover how cities worldwide are transforming through positive interventions for people and animals – and how your town or city can become a ‘Positive City’ too!
