Economics of Pet Overpopulation : The economics, ethics, and ecology of companion animal overpopulation and a mathematical model for evaluating the effectiveness of policy alternatives

ISBN-13: 9783639118476 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 212 str.

Joshua Frank

Opis

Companion animals are a common consumer product withone estimate indicating that there are 53 milliondogs and 59 million cats living in homes in theUnited States. Yet despite the prevalence of thisconsumer good, little attention has been given in theeconomic literature to the market for companion animals. This research focuses on the effectiveness ofvarious methods of reducing the cost of unwanteddogs. A mixed ecological-economic model of animalflow dynamics is utilized to study the impact ofvarious treatments on dog overpopulation. Surveyresults for the New York State Capital Region areutilized to estimate model parameters. It is found that the "optimal" policy is verysensitive to the time-scale chosen and how welfare isdefined. Spay/neuter education and low costspay/neuter programs are both found to be veryeffective, but only using a very long time-horizonand only with certain welfare definitions. Increasing shelter space is only found to be costeffective if the increase in selection is alsoassumed to increase adoption rates. This research will be of use to academicians aswell as practitioners at animal welfare organizations.

O autorze

PhD Economics, 5/01
Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst.

MBA, 6/93
Texas Tech U.

BA, 6/87.
U. of Cal.

Work Experience

SENIOR RESEARCHER
Center for Responsible Lending, 2008-Present

ASST PROFESSOR
SUNY Cortland, 2006-2008

PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST
State of New York, 2001-2006.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FIREPAW, Inc. 2000-Present