The Impact of Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) on Greater Bangkok Residents’ Attitudes and Behaviours Towards Free-Roaming Dogs

Abstract

Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (CNVR) is practiced in many countries to manage populations of free-roaming dogs. Greater Bangkok, Thailand, is one area in which CNVR has been used to manage roaming dog numbers, improve welfare, and mitigate the risk of rabies through the sterilisation and vaccination of more than 400,000 dogs between 2016 and 2023. A survey of over 3200 Greater Bangkok residents explored their experiences, perceptions, and behaviours towards free-roaming and owned dogs. Survey results reveal multiple ways in which the number of CNVR rounds performed within a resident’s local neighbourhood predicted positive experiences, attitudes, and behaviours toward free-roaming dogs. Findings show that residents themselves report both fewer free-roaming dogs and decreased nuisance behaviours in areas with CNVR, demonstrating that sustained CNVR programmes produce meaningful benefits to citizens. Sterilisation was also selected as the preferred management approach by the majority of respondents. These are compelling findings for policymakers considering investments in humane dog population management to improve resident and community health and well-being in areas with populations of free-roaming dogs.