Using a dog demography field study to inform the development of an agent-based computer simulation. Evaluating owned dog population control interventions in a small, semi-urban community in Mexico

This thesis evaluates the potential effects of different dog population control interventions in a small, semi-urban community in Mexico. First, a cross-sectional study was conducted to characterize dog ecology and demography in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo. Approximately 65% of the households owned one or more dogs. The majority of owned dogs (76%) were not sterilized, and less than half (45%) were kept confined. Second, a stochastic, agent-based simulation model was constructed to determine the projected impact of surgical sterilization interventions and increased dog confinement on the owned dog population size for this community. The model outputs suggested that surgical sterilization interventions focused only on young dogs (prior to sexual maturity) could yield greater reductions in population size than surgical interventions focused on dogs of mixed age. The information generated in this thesis can help to identify considerations for the design and implementation of dog population control programs in developing countries.