The survey provided a view of opinions of those respondents (majority animal welfare organisations)
working in thirty-one countries in Europe and Eurasia on the methods used to control stray dogs and
cats in their country. The survey established that without good national census data it may be difficult to
assess how successful reported methods were at reducing stray dog and cat populations and therefore
target resources appropriately. Countries that reportedly have no or very low numbers of stray dogs have
legislation that is effectively enforced by authorities relating to animal welfare, dog control, stray
collection and housing, and the control of breeding and sale of dogs and cats. A system of permanent
identification of animals and a registration or licensing scheme facilitated loose animals being swiftly reunited
with their owners and a penalty for those owners whose dogs were not under close control and
in some instances was linked to animal health regulations (annual rabies vaccination). Dog breeding was
controlled either through neutering or good physical control over dogs hence the over-production of
dogs was not problematic (the number of dogs requiring homes vs. the number of homes available).
Good cooperation between animal welfare organisations and municipal authorities along with a
network of facilities for re-homing dogs.