The Positive Cities Pledge

Preamble

More than half of the world’s population now live in cities, and this number will grow to over two-thirds by 2050. As our cities expand, we must care for the welfare of all who live there – people and animals alike – to create truly thriving communities.

Worldwide, about 75% of dogs and 80% of cats live as free-roaming animals, many in our towns and cities. When these populations are unmanaged, they can affect human health, safety, and quality of life, increasing the risk of injuries, diseases, and environmental issues.

Despite these challenges, the innate bond between humans and animals endures. This connection offers not only emotional enrichment but also significant benefits for our mental and physical well-being, highlighting the importance of nurturing positive interactions between humans and companion animals in our urban environments.

We, the undersigned cities, recognise that humane dog and cat population management is crucial for promoting public health, safety, economic prosperity, and an improved quality of life for all citizens. Our pledge directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

In endorsing this pledge, we commit to working with local and national partners to implement these actions, recognising that collaboration is key to effective and sustainable management.

Our Commitment

Public Health and Safety

Humane population management enhances public health and safety

Action: We commit to implementing strategies that reduce dog bites, traffic accidents caused by dogs, and prevent zoonotic diseases, including rabies through dog vaccination.

Quality of Life

Effective management of dog and cat populations fosters peaceful coexistence between people and animals, improving life for all citizens.

Action: We will invest in facilitates that support responsible dog and cat ownership, tailored to local needs. This may include dog-friendly spaces in public parks, animal identification linked to a registration system, training for veterinarians in small animal medicine and surgical sterilisation, or incentives for veterinarians to establish clinics in our city.

Urban and Economic Development

Proper dog and cat population management creates safer, more attractive neighbourhoods, supporting local businesses and economic growth.

Action: We will implement appropriate policies for responsible dog and cat ownership and humane population management, improving our city’s appeal for residents, visitors, and investors.

Animal Welfare

All dogs and cats, regardless of their ownership status, should be treated humanely

Action: We commit to implementing strategies and regulations to support humane management and prevent cruelty, neglect, and abandonment.

Community Engagement and Education

Community involvement in successful, humane dog and cat population management is essential

Action: We will develop and implement local communication strategies to promote compassionate care, responsible ownership and safe behaviour around animals.

Evidence-Based Approaches

Successful dog and cat population management requires sustainable, evidence-based and tailored solutions appropriate for local animal population dynamics and owner/carer needs and capacities.

Action: We will regularly monitor and assess local animal populations and management efforts to inform our evaluations and improve strategies over time.

Collaboration and Resource Allocation

We recognise that collaboration with local partners, such as NGOs or veterinarians, is often vital for successful, humane dog and cat population management in cities.

Action: We commit to establishing or strengthening local partnerships and effectively using city resources when developing and implementing dog and cat population management strategies.

Clear Governance

Clear responsibility for dog and cat population management needs to be established within local governments.

Action: We will establish and define responsibility for dog and cat population management within local governments, with consideration given to input from relevant stakeholders.

We invite others to join

By endorsing this pledge, we affirm our commitment to responsible and humane dog and cat population management. We invite all cities and towns to join us in creating safer, healthier, and more compassionate urban environments worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria	Details	Why
1. Proactive efforts	The city has shown some foundational initiative with humane dog/cat management efforts in the past five years.	To demonstrate interest in D/CPM and awareness of requirements.
2. Local collaboration	There’s a local animal welfare organisation or veterinary practice willing to partner with the authority.	To ensure sustainable implementation and local expertise in D/CPM practices.
3. Ethical assurances	The local authority hasn’t supported any dog or cat culling programmes in the last two years (euthanasia policies based on individual animal welfare are encouraged – see our FAQs for defintion of culling and euthanasia, and why cullig doesn’t work).	To confirm commitment to humane practices and alignment with international welfare standards.