Nuisance Animals
Position
The Alberta SPCA supports the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)* methods to control nuisance animals.
Definition
A nuisance animal is defined as any animal that is perceived to be in conflict with humans, their animals or property.
Rationale
Integrated Pest Management includes
- habitat modification,
- reducing the animal’s access with fences, screens, covers, etc.,
- the use of natural guarding animals,
- appropriate planning regarding the construction and location of residential or commercial developments,
- population control through reproductive cycle interference.
Euthanasia should only be used in circumstances where Integrated Pest Management has not been effective.
The Alberta SPCA supports continued research to identify effective methods of managing nuisance animals while maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.
* More information about Integrated Pest Management is available on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) website.
