Date of Award
6-12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Public Administration, MPA
First Advisor
Sue Neal
Committee Members
Amy Buzby; Jaymes Vettraino; Peter Wolf
Call Number
ISBN 9798280760592
Abstract
Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs are an effective way to reduce the number of free-roaming cats without relying on euthanasia by preventing further reproduction. Despite substantial research into the effectiveness of TNR, few studies explore the financial implications of implementing TNR at the municipal level. The purpose of this research was to identify if there is a relationship between the implementation of TNR and municipal spending on animal services by analyzing annual budgets and financial reports pre- and post- TNR implementation in a single municipality alongside shelter data in the same time period. Findings in this research suggest that implementing a TNR program was able to significantly improve life-saving outcomes for cats without resulting in a major change in municipal spending. Between 2012 and 2020, TNR increased by 239.19% and euthanasia decreased by 95%. Subsequently, spending on animal care and animal control decreased by 2.66% across the same time period.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Hanna, Natalie Maria, "Impact Of Trap-Neuter-Return Programs on Municipal Spending" (2025). Student Theses and Dissertations. 1053.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/1053
