Using Indian free-ranging dogs (FRD) as a case study, we propose a novel intervention of social integration alongside previously proposed methods for dealing with FRD populations. Our study subsumes population dynamics, funding avenues, and innovative strategies to maintain FRD welfare and provide societal benefits. We develop a comprehensive system dynamics model, featuring identifiable parameters customizable for any management context and imperative for successfully planning a widescale FRD population intervention. We examine policy resistance and simulate conventional interventions alongside the proposed social integration effort to compare monetary and social rewards, as well as costs and unintended consequences. For challenging socioeconomic ecological contexts, policy resistance is best overcome by shifting priority strategically between social integration and conventional techniques. The results suggest that social integration can financially support a long-term FRD intervention, while transforming a “pest” population into a resource for animal-assisted health interventions, law enforcement, and conservation efforts.

中文翻译：

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将负债转化为资产：自由放养犬种群管理的系统动力学模型

使用印度自由放养犬 (FRD) 作为案例研究，我们提出了一种新的社会融合干预措施以及先前提出的处理 FRD 种群的方法。我们的研究包括人口动态、资金渠道和创新战略，以维持 FRD 福利并提供社会效益。我们开发了一个全面的系统动力学模型，具有可针对任何管理环境定制的可识别参数，以及成功规划大规模 FRD 人口干预的必要条件。我们检查政策阻力并模拟传统干预措施以及提议的社会融合努力，以比较货币和社会回报，以及成本和意外后果。对于具有挑战性的社会经济生态环境，通过在社会融合和传统技术之间战略性地转移优先事项，最好地克服政策阻力。结果表明，社会融合可以在财政上支持长期 FRD 干预，同时将“害虫”种群转变为动物辅助健康干预、执法和保护工作的资源。