Influence of demographics, experience and value orientations on preferences for lethal management of feral cats

Kerrie Anne T. Loyd, Craig A. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Populations of feral domestic cats have increased throughout the United States, affecting wildlife and warranting attention from a variety of management agencies. This contentious issue requires a greater understanding of public attitudes and preferences for population control. We used data from a 2004 mail survey of Illinois homeowners' attitudes toward wildlife and conservation to investigate support for the lethal control of feral cats and to examine factors (demographic, experience, and wildlife value orientations) that may influence preference for euthanasia as a management option. Community size, gender, education level, wildlife value orientations, and negative experiences with feral cats were significant predictors of preference for lethal management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)262-273
Number of pages12
JournalHuman Dimensions of Wildlife
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Euthanasia
  • Feral cat management
  • Illinois
  • Lethal control
  • Stakeholder perceptions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nature and Landscape Conservation
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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