Companion animal overpopulation on O‘ahu

Abstract

This thesis examines the extent and impact of companion animal (cat and dog) overpopulation on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. Companion animal overpopulation directly contributes to the mass euthanasia of animals in shelters. This thesis contains background information that explains the current problem in dealing with companion animal overpopulation, solutions that have been implemented or have been proposed to alleviate the problem, and also evaluates current policies that may affect the situation. The background information includes literature that currently exists about animal shelters both locally and in the U.S. and also looks into the possibility of Hawaiʻi being part of the "no-kill movement," which would require more limited-admission (or no-kill) shelters on O'ahu. A high quality and compelling documentary was created with the data collected through research. The process of creating the documentary that covers all aspects of the current problem (animal overpopulation and euthanasia of healthy animals on O'ahu) is included.