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3 Year Trend Analysis of Intake and Euthanasia in Maryland Animal Shelters Identifying Trends from Initial Quarter in 2013 through the Fourth Quarter of 2016 FINAL 7/27/2017 Maryland Department of Agriculture Jane Mallory, Program Coordinator, Agency Grants Specialist

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Page 1: 3 Year Trend Analysis of Intake and Euthanasia in Maryland ...mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Documents/SNAB/Three...3 Year Trend Analysis of Intake and Euthanasia in ... Identifying Trends

3 Year Trend Analysis of Intake and Euthanasia in

Maryland Animal Shelters Identifying Trends from Initial Quarter in 2013 through the

Fourth Quarter of 2016 FINAL 7/27/2017 Maryland Department of Agriculture Jane Mallory, Program Coordinator, Agency Grants Specialist

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MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

SPAY AND NEUTER GRANTS PROGRAM

3 YEAR TREND ANALYSIS OF INTAKE AND EUTHANASIA IN MARYLAND ANIMAL SHELTERS Identifying Trends from Initial Quarter in 2013 through the Fourth Quarter of 2016

The purpose of this report is to determine if there have been any changes in the intake and

euthanasia of dogs and cats in shelters state wide in the first three years since the inception of

the Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program in late 2013.

Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program in Brief

The Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program is the result of the passage of Maryland Senate

Bill 820 in 2013. The goal of the program is to reduce intake and euthanasia of cats and dogs in

county shelters by providing grants to local government agencies and non-profit animal welfare

organizations, who in turn provide free spay and neuter services and outreach to pets of low

income Marylanders and to populations of feral cats. In order to increase spay and neuter

capacity in general, the program also funds equipment costs for establishing new low cost

spay/neuter clinics or to expand existing clinics. Finally, funds may also be used for specialized

training in High Volume/High Quality Spay Neuter techniques for veterinarians and technicians.

The program is managed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and is funded

solely from a special spay/neuter program fee charged to pet food manufacturers who have

their products registered with the Maryland State Chemist Office.

In addition to awarding grants, the program collects intake and euthanasia data for the state.

As required by Agriculture Article §§ 2-1602 and 2-1605, Annotated Code of Maryland, and

starting in the last quarter of 2013, county animal shelters and shelters run by private

organizations but contracted by counties to provide sheltering services must provide MDA with

quarterly statistics on intake and disposition, including euthanasia (see Attachment 1 for

sample survey data sheet). In addition to these facilities some private facilities voluntarily

provide data or are required to provide data by the terms of a grant agreement with the

program. Please see Attachment 2 for the list of shelters providing data. Each quarter the data

provided by the shelters is combined and presented in state-wide quarterly report. Each report

is posted on the program webpage and is available to the public. This data is intended to help

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determine the impact that the program is having on intake and euthanasia state wide over

time.

Summary of Program Grant Cycles to Date

The program began awarding grants in June of 2014. A total of 14 grants were awarded during

this initial grant cycle (FY15 cycle), each grant representing a project with a specific target area

that focused on pets of low income state residents. These projects either started in late

December of 2014 or in January of 2015. For this cycle, only pets were targeted, and with a

cumulative target goal of 5,340 spay/neuter procedures.

In 2015 (FY16 cycle) more 19 projects were funded to fix both pets and feral cats, with a

cumulative target goal of 8,231 procedures and in 2016 (FY17 cycle) 26 projects were funded

for both pets and feral cats with a cumulative target goal of 13,038 procedures.

In addition, 29 more projects were approved for funding for the FY18 cycle but as of this date

were not yet active.

To date, of the FY15, FY16, and FY17 cycle projects, 20,688 (or 78%) of the funded spay/neuter

procedures have been completed.

Data Examined

In late 2013, MDA requested intake and euthanasia data from all county animal shelters in the

state. The shelters queried included government run shelters, shelters run by private

organizations but contacted to the county to provide shelter services, and private shelters in

hopes that they would choose to volunteer information. The 30 respondents included 26

county shelters and 4 private shelters. The data covered the period from October 1, 2013

through December 31, 2013 and is referred to as the Initial Quarter. This data set is considered

the baseline by which future quarterly data would be compared. Subsequent to the Initial

Quarter, shelters have supplied data every quarter thereafter (January-March, April –June, July

–September, and October-December). All survey datasheets are retained by MDA and made

available to the public upon request.

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The information presented below represents the findings from the initial quarter through the

final quarter of 2016, first presenting the findings pertaining to dogs and cats combined, then

presenting cat and dog data separately.

Findings-Dogs and Cats (I.E. All Animals) Combined

The graph below (Fig. 1) depicts the total number of cats and dogs combined that entered the shelters

(i.e. intake) and were euthanized since the initial quarterly survey (October-December 2013) through

the last quarter of 2016. The following can be seen from this data:

There are distinct and parallel periods of peaks and valleys in intake and euthanasia that are

consistent from year to year;

Both intake and euthanasia peak during the summer quarter (July-September);

The lowest period for both intake and euthanasia occurs during the winter quarter (January-

March);

Intake is at its second highest period during the spring quarter (April-June) and nearing the low

period during the fall quarter (October-December);

Conversely, euthanasia is at its second highest period during the fall quarter and nearing the low

period during the spring quarter, though not to a great degree; and

There is a gradual reduction of both intake and euthanasia, with both peaks and valleys trending

lower over time.

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

Oct

-De

c 1

3

Jan

-Mar

14

Ap

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n 1

4

Jul-

Sep

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Oct

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c 1

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Jan

-Mar

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Jul-

Sep

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Jul-

Sep

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als

Fig. 1. Comparison of Animal (Dogs and Cats Combined) Data for Intake and Euthansia Trends Over Time: From Initial Qtr in 2013

through the 4th Qtr of 2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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A comparison of euthanasia in the initial quarter in fall 2013 (8,137) to that of the last quarter in 2016

(4,979) -three years later- reveals a reduction of euthanasia by 3,158 animals or by 39%. To a much

lesser extent, intake dropped from 19,140 in the fall of 2013 to 18,504 in fall of 2016; a reduction of 636

animals or by 3%.

By comparing quarters covering the same time period (i.e. like quarters) consistent downward trends

are easier to see (Fig. 2 and 3 below).

23

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4

23

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6

23

,37

8

21

,89

4

19

,96

5

20

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18

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13

,96

8

13

,74

4

14

,93

0

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

Jul-

Sep

14

Jul-

Sep

15

Jul-

Sep

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Ap

r-Ju

n 1

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Ap

r-Ju

n 1

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Ap

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Oct

-De

c 1

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Oct

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c 1

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Oct

-De

c 1

5

Oct

-De

c 1

6

Jan

-Mar

14

Jan

-Mar

15

Jan

-Mar

16

Fig. 3. Comparison of All Animal (Dogs and Cats) Intake Data

Trends Over Time Grouped by Like Quarters

10

,13

0

8,2

47

6,7

08

7,3

20

5,8

40

5,0

12 8,1

37

7,0

70

6,3

45

4,9

79

4,1

90

3,8

22

3,5

73

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

Jul-

Sep

14

Jul-

Sep

15

Jul-

Sep

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Ap

r-Ju

n 1

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n 1

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n 1

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Oct

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c 1

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Oct

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Oct

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c 1

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Oct

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c 1

6

Jan

-Mar

14

Jan

-Mar

15

Jan

-Mar

16

Fig. 2. Comparison of All Animal (Dogs and Cats) Euthanasia Data Trends Over Time Grouped by Like Quarters

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6 | P a g e

The following graphs show the changes in euthanasia and intake numbers between like quarters.

During the July-September timeframe (the period of highest intake and euthanasia during each year)

from 2014 to 2016 (Fig. 4), euthanasia decreased by 3,422 animals or a decrease of 33%. Intake changes

were much less with a decrease of 616 animals from 2014 to 2016 or less than 3%.

During the June-April timeframe (the next highest period for intake during each year) from 2014 to 2016

(Fig. 5), euthanasia decreased by 2,308 animals or a decrease of 31%. Intake decreased by 5%.

21,894 19,965 20,701

7,320 5,840 5,012

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

Apr-Jun 14 Apr-Jun 15 Apr-Jun 16

Nu

mb

er

of

An

imal

s

Fig. 5. All Animals Trends of Intake and Euthanasia During Spring Period

April-June Quarters, 2014 to2016

Intake

Euthanasia

23,994 23,516 23,378

10,130 8,247

6,708

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

Jul-Sep 14 Jul-Sep 15 Jul-Sep 16

Nu

mb

er

of

An

imal

s

Fig. 4. All Animals Trends for the Highest Period of Intake and Euthanasia

July-September Quarters, 2014 to 2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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7 | P a g e

During the October-December timeframe (approaching the lowest period of intake but the second

highest period for euthanasia during each year) from 2013 to 2016 (Fig. 6), euthanasia decreased by

3,158 animals or a decrease of 39%. Intake changes were much less with a decrease of 636 animals

from 2013 to 2016 or 3%.

During the January-March timeframe (the lowest period of intake and euthanasia during each year)

from 2014 to 2016 (Fig. 7), euthanasia decreased by 617 animals or a decrease of 15%. This was the

only quarter where combined animal intake increased. Animal intake increased from 2014 to 2016 by

962 animals or 6%.

13,968 13,744 14,930

4,190 3,822 3,573

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

Jan-Mar 14 Jan-Mar 15 Jan-Mar 16

Nu

mb

er

of

An

imal

s

Fig. 7. All Animals Trends of Intake and Euthanasia During Lowest Period

January - March Quarters, 2014 to 2016

Intake

Euthanasia

19,140 18,504 19,365 18,504

8,137 7,070 6,345 4,979

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

Oct-Dec 13 Oct-Dec 14 Oct-Dec 15 Oct-Dec 16

Nu

mb

er

of

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imal

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Fig. 6. All Animals Trends of Intake and Euthanasia During Fall Period October-December Quarters, 2013 to 2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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8 | P a g e

Findings-Cats vs. Dogs

In all 13 quarters considered in this report, cats make up the majority of the total animals euthanized,

ranging from 59% to 78%, with an average percent of 70%. The percent of the euthanasia attributed to

dogs ranges from 22 to 41%, with an overall average of 30% (Fig. 8).

Similarly, cats make up the majority of the intake (Fig. 9) with a percent ranging from 50 to 67% (with an

average of 60%) and dogs ranging from 33 to 50% (averaging 40%).

40 50

39 35 43 50 37 35 40 48

36 33 40

60 50

61 65 57 50 63 65 60 52

64 67 60

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

100

Oct

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-Mar

14

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n 1

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Sep

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Jul-

Sep

16

Oct

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c 1

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rce

nt

Inta

ke

Survey Quarters

Fig. 9. Percent of Animal Intake Cats vs Dogs From Initial Quarter in 2013 through 2016

% Animal Intake-CATS

% Animal Intake-DOGS

24 41

28 24 27 40 30 22 25

37 36 24 30

76 59

72 76 73 60 70 78 75

63 64 76 70

0

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erc

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d

Survey Quarters

Fig. 8. Percent of Euthanized Animals Cats vs Dogs From Initial Quarter in 2013 through 2016

% Euthanized Animals-CATS

% Euthanized Animals-DOGS

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Figures 10 and 11 show the euthanasia and intake of cats versus dogs from fall 2013, through fall 2016. Cat euthanasia dropped from 6,144 in

the initial quarter to 3,503 (a difference of 2,641 cats or a decrease of 43%) and dog euthanasia dropped from 1,993 dogs to 1,476 (a difference

of 517 dogs or a decrease of 26%). Throughout each year, peaks and valleys occur for both cats and dogs, with variability much more dramatic

for cats. However, even with the variability, there is a decrease between like quarters with the exception of intake of cats in 2016, which

increased (Fig. 14).

1,993 1,737

2,084 2,388

1,882 1,519

1,771 1,850 1,614

1,332 1,445 1,624 1,476

6,144

2,453

5,236

7,742

5,188

2,303

4,069

6,397

4,731

2,241

3,567

5,084

3,503

0

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8,000

9,000

Oct-Dec 13

Jan-Mar 14

Apr-Jun 14

Jul-Sep 14

Oct-Dec 14

Jan-Mar 15

Apr-Jun 15

Jul-Sep 15

Oct-Dec 15

Jan-Mar 16

Apr-Jun 16

Jul-Sep 16

Oct-Dec 16

Fig. 10. Euthanasia: Dogs VS Cats Oct-December 2013 to October-December 2016

DOGS

CATS

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7,734 7,047

8,463 8,329 7,980

6,839 7,414

8,200 7,777

7,106 7,536 7,689 7,393

11,406

6,921

13,431

15,665

10,524

6,905

12,551

15,316

11,588

7,824

13,165

15,689

11,111

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

Oct-Dec 13

Jan-Mar 14

Apr-Jun 14

Jul-Sep 14

Oct-Dec 14

Jan-Mar 15

Apr-Jun 15

Jul-Sep 15

Oct-Dec 15

Jan-Mar 16

Qtr Apr-Jun

16

Jul-Sep 16

Oct-Dec 16

Fig. 11. Intake: Dogs VS Cats Oct-December 2013 to October-December 2016

DOGS

CATS

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11 | P a g e

Cat Data: Comparing Like Quarters

By comparing the euthanasia and intake numbers between the initial quarter in 2013 to the final quarter

in 2016, there has been a decrease in cat euthanasia of 43% and a decrease in cat intake by 2.6%.

Because of the variability from one quarter to the next (Fig. 12 above), it is helpful to compare like

quarters to see the overall trend. When comparing each quarter to that of the same time period in each

year, a downward trend is evident in euthanasia (Fig. 13 below). This was also the case with intake up

until a spike in the fall of 2015 and an increase in all quarters of 2016 from that of the previous year.

(Fig. 14 below).

11,406

6,921

13,431

15,665

10,524

6,905

12,551

15,315

11,588

7,822

13,165

15,689

11,111

6,144

2,453

5,236

7,742

5,188

2,303

4,069

6,397

4,731

2,241

3,567

5,084

3,503

0

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4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

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18,000

Oct

-De

c 2

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2

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Fig. 12. Comparison of Cat Data for Intake and Euthanasia Trends Over Time: From Initial Qtr of 2013 to 4th Qtr of 2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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12 | P a g e

15

,66

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,31

5

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Jul-

Sep

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Sep

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16

Ap

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n 2

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-Mar

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14

Jan

-Mar

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15

Jan

-Mar

20

16

Fig. 14. Comparison of Cat Intake Data Trends Over Time Grouped by Like Quarters

7,7

42

6,3

97

5,0

84

5,2

36

4,0

69

3,5

67

6,1

44

5,1

88

4,7

31

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2,4

53

2,3

03

2,2

41

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000

Jul-

Sep

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14

Jul-

Sep

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Jul-

Sep

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16

Ap

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Jan

-Mar

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Jan

-Mar

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15

Jan

-Mar

20

16

Fig. 13. Comparison of Cat Euthanasia Data Trends Over Time Grouped by Like Quarters

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13 | P a g e

A comparison of the summer quarters (peak period, Fig. 15) shows a 34% decrease in euthanasia from

2014 to 2016. Euthanasia decreased from 2014 to 2015 by 17% and from 2015 to 2016 by 20%. Intake

decreased from 2014 to 2015 by 2% but increased from 2015 to 2016 by 2%, resulting in very little

difference overall.

For the spring quarters (Fig. 16), euthanasia decreased 32% from 2014 to 2016, at a rate of 22% from

2014 to 2015 and by 12% from 2015 to 2016. Intake decreased by 2% from 2014 to 2015 but increased

by 5% from 2015 to 2016, resulting in a small decrease overall of 2%.

13,431 12,551

13,165

5,236 4,069 3,567

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

Apr-Jun 2014 Apr-Jun 2015 Apr-Jun 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Cat

s

Fig. 16. Cat Trends for Spring April-June Quarters 2014-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

15,665 15,315 15,689

7,742 6,397

5,084

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

Jul-Sep 2014 Jul-Sep 2015 Jul-Sep 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Cat

s

Fig 15. Cat Trends for the Peak Period July-September Quarters 2014-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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14 | P a g e

For the fall quarters (Fig. 17), which include the initial quarter in 2013, euthanasia decreased from 2013

to 2016 by 43%, at a rate of 15% from 2013 to 2014, by 9% from 2014 to 2015, and by 26% from 2015 to

2016. Intake decreased by 8% from 2013 to 2014, but increased by 9% from 2014 to 2015. Intake then

decreased by 4% from 2015 to 2016, resulting in an overall decrease of 2%.

For the winter quarters (Fig. 18), the lowest period of the year, the overall decrease of euthanasia was

9%. Euthanasia decreased by 6% from 2014 to 2015 and by 3% from 2015 to 2016. Intake decreased by

0.2% from 2014 to 2015, but increased by 12% from 2015 to 2016.

6,921 6,905

7,822

2,453 2,303 2,241

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

Jan-Mar 2014 Jan-Mar 2015 Jan-Mar 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Cat

s

Fig. 18. Cat Trends for the lowest Period January - March Time Quarters 2014-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

11,406 10,524

11,588 11,111

6,144 5,188 4,731

3,503

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

Oct-Dec 2013 Oct-Dec 2014 Oct-Dec 2015 Oct-Dec 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Cat

s

Fig. 17. Cat Trends for Fall October-December Quarters 2013-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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15 | P a g e

Dog Data: Comparing Like Quarters

By comparing the euthanasia and intake numbers between the initial quarter in 2013 to the final quarter

in 2016, there has been a decrease in dog euthanasia by 26% and a decrease in dog intake by 4%.

As with cats, there is variability in dog euthanasia and intake from one quarter to the next (Fig. 19

above), so it is helpful to compare like quarters to see the overall trend. When comparing each quarter

to that of the same time period in each year, a downward trend is evident in euthanasia (Fig 20 below).

This was also the case with intake during the peak quarter, but with more variability in the other 4

quarters (Fig. 21 below).

7,734

7,047

8,463 8,329 7,980

6,839

7,414

8,200

7,777

7,106

7,536 7,689

7,393

1,993 1,737

2,084 2,388

1,882 1,519

1,771 1,850 1,614

1,349 1,445 1,624 1,476

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

Oct

-De

c 2

01

3

Jan

-Mar

20

14

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

4

Jul-

Sep

20

14

Oct

-De

c 2

01

4

Jan

-Mar

20

15

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

5

Jul-

Sep

20

15

Oct

-De

c 2

01

5

Jan

-Mar

20

16

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

6

Jul-

Sep

20

16

Oct

-De

c 2

01

6

Nu

mb

er

of

Do

gs

Fig. 19. Comparison of Dog Data for Intake and Euthansia Trends Over Time: From Initial Qtr of 2013 to 4th Qtr of 2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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8,3

29

8,2

00

7,6

89

8,4

63

7,4

14

7,5

36

7,7

34

7,9

80

7,7

77

7,3

93

7,0

47

6,8

39

7,1

06

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000

Jul-

Sep

20

14

Jul-

Sep

20

15

Jul-

Sep

20

16

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

4

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

5

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

6

Oct

-De

c 2

01

3

Oct

-De

c 2

01

4

Oct

-De

c 2

01

5

Oct

-De

c 2

01

6

Jan

-Mar

20

14

Jan

-Mar

20

15

Jan

-Mar

20

16

Fig. 21. Comparison of Dog Intake Data Trends Over Time

Grouped by Like Quarters

2,3

88

1,8

50

1,6

24

2,0

84

1,7

71

1,4

45

1,9

91

1,8

82

1,6

14

1,4

76

1,7

37

1,5

19

1,3

49

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

Jul-

Sep

20

14

Jul-

Sep

20

15

Jul-

Sep

20

16

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

4

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

5

Ap

r-Ju

n 2

01

6

Oct

-De

c 2

01

3

Oct

-De

c 2

01

4

Oct

-De

c 2

01

5

Oct

-De

c 2

01

6

Jan

-Mar

20

14

Jan

-Mar

20

15

Jan

-Mar

20

16

Fig. 20. Comparison of Dog Euthanasia Data Trends Over Time Grouped by Like Quarters

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A comparison of the summer quarters (peak period, Fig. 22) euthanasia decreased overall by 32% from

2014 to 2016, at a rate of 22% from 2014 to 2015 and by 12% from 2015 to 2016. There is an overall

decrease of 8%, with intake decreasing from 2014 to 2015 by 1.5%, and by 6% from 2015 to 2016.

For the spring quarters (Fig. 23), there was an overall decrease of 31%, at a rate of 25% from 2014 to

2015 and by 18% from 2015 to 2016. Intake decreased by 12% from 2014 to 2015 but increased slightly

by 1.6% from 2015 to 2016. Even with the increase between 2015 and 2016, there was an overall

decrease of intake by 11%.

8,463

7,414 7,536

2,084 1,771 1,445

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

Apr-Jun 2014 Apr-Jun 2015 Apr-Jun 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Do

gs

Fig. 23. Dog Trends for the Spring April-June Quarters 2014-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

8,329 8,200 7,689

2,388 1,850 1,624

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

Jul-Sep 2014 Jul-Sep 2015 Jul-Sep 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Do

gs

Fig. 22. Dog Trends for the Peak Period July-September Quarters 2014-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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For the fall quarters (Fig. 24), which include the initial quarter in 2013, there was a total decrease of 32%

in euthanasia from 2014 to 2016, with a rate of 6% from 2013 to 2014, by 14% from 2014 to 2015, and

by 9% from 2015 to 2016. Intake increased by 3% from 2013 to 2014, but decreased there on, by 2.5%

from 2014 to 2015, and by 5% from 2015 to 2016. In spite of the increase in 2014, intake decreased

overall by 4%.

For the winter quarters (Fig. 25), the lowest period of the year, euthanasia decreased by 12% from 2014

to 2015 and by 11% from 2015 to 2016. Intake decreased by 3% from 2014 to 2015, but increased by

4% from 2015 to 2016. Overall, intake increased over the 3 year period by 0.8%.

7,047 6,839 7,106

1,737 1,519 1,349

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

Jan-Mar 2014 Jan-Mar 2015 Jan-Mar 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Do

gs

Fig. 25. Dog Trends for the Lowest Point January - March Quarters 2014-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

7,734 7,980 7,777 7,393

1,993 1,882 1,614 1,476

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

Oct-Dec 2013 Oct-Dec 2014 Oct-Dec 2015 Oct-Dec 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Do

gs

Fig. 24. Dog Trends for the Fall October-December Quarters 2013-2016

Intake

Euthanasia

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Conclusion

Because there are only 3 full years of intake and euthanasia data to examine at this point, this report

and its findings should be considered preliminary. However the data is sufficient enough to show

distinct and consistent patterns with regards to both euthanasia and intake. Throughout any given year

so far, there are high points and low points for both euthanasia and intake and they are consistent,

distinct and concurrent. Both euthanasia and intake spike during the summer months then begin to

decline during the fall months, and reach their lowest point during the winter. Numbers begin to rise

again in the spring. For this reason it is most important to compare like quarters over a span of time to

determine if there are consistent downward trends. Given this is the case in 2014, 2015, and 2016, we

expect this pattern to carry though in future quarters.

The data also indicates that overall, euthanasia and intake of cats and dogs have declined since the first

quarter of state-wide shelter data collection in the fall of 2013. From the October-December quarter of

2013 (the initial quarter that serves as the baseline) to the fall quarter of 2016, 3 years later, there has

been a reduction of 39% in euthanasia of animals in the shelters and a 3% reduction in intake.

Of cats euthanized, there has been a 43% reduction from 2013 to 2016, and a reduction of intake of

2.5%. Of dogs euthanized, there has been a 25% from 2013 to 2016, and a 4% reduction of intake.

The impact from the increase in spays and neuters (along with the public outreach and education, which

is a part of every project funded by the program) throughout the state is cumulative, with each year’s

completed projects, along with active efforts having an impact on future quarterly data. Even after only

3 years, with the full impact of the work done so far yet to be reflected, declines in numbers are already

being seen. As more time passes, and more quarterly data is available to add to this comparison, and

based on what this data shows so far, we expect to see a continuing decline in the overall euthanasia

and intake numbers.

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ATTACHMENT 1. SURVEY FORM

MARYLAND ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER SURVEY / 1

(Boxes will expand as you enter text) Name of Shelter/Facility:

Address:

Name of Shelter Manager:

EMAIL: Phone:

Name of Person completing this survey:

Activity for Reporting Quarter: October-December, 2016

1/Pursuant to section 2-1602(H) of the Agriculture Article which states: “Beginning January 14,2014, each county and municipal animal control shelter and each organization that contracts with a county or municipality for animal control shall report quarterly to the Department on a form prescribed by the Department describing for the previous 3 months: (1) The number of cats and dogs taken in; (2) The number of cats and dogs disposed of, broken down by method of disposal, including euthanasia; and (3) Any other relevant data the Department requires.”Please return completed survey by email attachment to [email protected] or by mail to Maryland Department of Agriculture, Marketing Department (Spay and Neuter Program), 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. Questions call Jane Mallory 410-481-5766 email: [email protected] .

DOGS CATS

A. Live Animal Count at Beginning of Qtr

LIVE INTAKE DURING QTR:

B. Stray/At Large

C. Relinquished by Owner

D. Owner Requested Euthanasia

E. Transferred in from another Agency

F. Other Live Intakes (impounds, births, animals placed in foster care, brought in for TNR, etc)

G. TOTAL LIVE INTAKE DURING QTR (B+C+D+E+F)

DISPOSITION DURING QTR:

H. Adoption

I. Returned to Owner

J. Transferred to another Agency

K. Other Live Outcome (includes TNRs released)

L. Died/Lost in Care

M. Euthanasia- at Owner’s Request

N. Euthanasia-All other than owner request

O. TOTAL DISPOSITION DURING QTR

P. Live Animal Count at End of QTR (includes Fosters). (A+G - O)

In order to better understand to what degree unowned cats are a source of intake and euthanasia, we need your help. To the best of your abilities, please indicate what percent and/or how much of CAT intake would you consider unowned (i.e. feral, or community cats) animals: How many of the euthanized cats would you guess are unowned:

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ATTACHMENT 2. LIST OF FACILITIES SENT SURVEY REQUEST AND RESPONDING WITH

INFORMATION

Facilities in italics are private and either voluntarily contribute data or do so as terms of grant agreement with

MDA

Shelter Notes:

Allegany County Animal Shelter

Animal Welfare League of Queen Anne’s County

Anne Arundel County Animal Control

Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter BARCS

Baltimore County Animal Services

Baltimore Humane Society

Baywater Animal Rescue-Dorchester Co

Cecil County Animal Services

Caroline County Humane Society, Inc.

City of College Park Animal Shelter

City of Greenbelt Animal Shelter

Dorchester County Animal Control Does not collect cats.

Frederick County Animal Control

Garrett County Animal Shelter

Howard County Animal Control

Humane Society of Carroll County, Inc.

Humane Society of Harford County All animals obtained by Harford Co.

Animal Control are transferred here.

Humane Society of Kent County

Humane Society of Somerset County Inc Handle cats for Somerset Co but not

under contract to do so.

Humane Society of Washington County

Humane Society of Wicomico County

Maryland SPCA

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption

Center

Prince Georges County Animal Services

Somerset County Animal Control

SPCA of Anne Arundel County

Talbot Humane

Tri-County Animal Shelter Serves Charles, St. Mary's and Calvert

Cos.

Worcester County Animal Control

Worcester County Humane Society