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Rohee-Traore A, Kahn A, Khonsari RH, Pham-Dang N, Majoufre-Lefebvre C, Meyer C, Ferri J, Trost O, Poisbleau D, Kimakhe J, Rougeot A, Moret A, Prevost R, Toure G, Hachani M, DeBoutray M, Laure B, Joly A, Kün-Darbois JD. Facial dog bites in children: A public health problem highlighted by COVID-19 lockdown. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2024; 125:101671. [PMID: 37898301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stay-at-home injunction during COVID-19 pandemic led to new dynamics in households and increased the risk of domestic accidents involving pets. The aim of the study was to demonstrate an increase of facial dog bites in children during first lockdown period in France, compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Secondary objective was to investigate the demographics and circumstances in which dog bites occurred. METHODS A retrospective multicentric study was conducted nationwide. Patients under 18 years old managed in fifteen oral and maxillofacial surgery departments for a dog bite were included. RESULTS Eighty-seven patients were included. A significant increase of the number of children managed for facial dog bite was noticed in 2020 (p=0.0005). The male-to-female ratio was significantly reversed in 2020 with more bites in girls than boys (p=0.02). In 2020, children were mostly bitten to cheeks (28.6 %), lips-and-chin region (26.2 %), and eyelids (23.8 %). Severe bites increased in 2020, in comparison with 2018 and 2019. Dog bites occurring while petting or playing significantly increased in 2020 (31 %) (p=0.03). CONCLUSION The process leading to bites is highly dependent on the balance of dog-owner relationship. This was strongly disrupted during COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the increase of dog bites in households. Regarding dog bites, face is the most vulnerable area in children. Its injury has lots of esthetic and functional consequences and maxillofacial surgeons have a key role to play in their prevention. Reminders of some of these management and prevention strategies are presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Rohee-Traore
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers 49100, France.
| | - Alexis Kahn
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers 49100, France
| | - Roman-Hossein Khonsari
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, 149 rue de Sèvres, Paris 75015, France
| | - Nathalie Pham-Dang
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, 58 rue Montalembert, Clermont-Ferrand 63000, France
| | - Claire Majoufre-Lefebvre
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Pellegrin University Hospital, Rue de la Pelouse de Douet, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Christophe Meyer
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Besançon University Hospital, 3 boulevard Alexandre Fleming, Besançon 25030, France
| | - Joël Ferri
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Lille University Hospital, 2 avenue Oscar Lambret, Lille 59000, France
| | - Olivier Trost
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Rouen University Hospital, 37 boulevard Gambetta, Rouen 76000, France
| | - David Poisbleau
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Grenoble University Hospital, Avenue des Maquis de Grésivaudan, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Jihane Kimakhe
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery and stomatology, Vendée Hospital Center, Boulevard Stéphane Moreau, La Roche-sur-Yon, 85000, France
| | - Amélie Rougeot
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Félix Guyon Hospital, La Réunion University Hospital, Allée des Topazes, Saint-Denis 97400, France
| | - Audrey Moret
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery and stomatology, Aix Hospital Center, Avenue des Tamaris, Aix-En-Provence 13100, France
| | - Raphaëlle Prevost
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Ré-Aunis Hospital, 44 rue Moulin des Justices, La Rochelle 17022, France
| | - Gaoussou Toure
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Lucie et Raymond Aubrac Intercommunal Hospital Center, 40 Allée de la Source, Villeneuve Saint Georges 94195, France
| | - Manel Hachani
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Lucie et Raymond Aubrac Intercommunal Hospital Center, 40 Allée de la Source, Villeneuve Saint Georges 94195, France
| | - Marie DeBoutray
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, 191 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Boris Laure
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Tours University Hospital, Avenue de la République, Chambray-lès-Tours 37170, France
| | - Aline Joly
- Tours University Hospital, Avenue de la République, Chambray-lès-Tours 37170, France
| | - Jean-Daniel Kün-Darbois
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers 49100, France
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Carroll GA, Reeve C, Torjussen A. Companion animal adoption and relinquishment during the COVID-19 pandemic: The experiences of animal rescue staff and volunteers. Anim Welf 2024; 33:e12. [PMID: 38510425 PMCID: PMC10951665 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
There has been a paucity of research into the experiences of animal rescue staff and volunteers during COVID-19. The aim of this qualitative research was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on companion animal rescue organisations and their staff and volunteers, and to develop a set of recommendations on how to reduce the risk to companion animal welfare during a crisis. Descriptive thematic analysis was used to explore the experiences of staff and volunteers from 28 animal rescue organisations, most of which were based in the UK. Other surveyed countries included Germany, the Republic of Ireland, France, Spain, the USA and Australia. We identify three key themes that reflect the challenges faced by pet rescue organisations during the pandemic: (1) impact on animals; (2) impact on identity; and (3) impact on organisational processes. Key recommendations include the promotion of co-operation and modifications within the sector, the need to understand, and change, detrimental pet-owner behaviours, and the need to clarify the identity of animal rescue organisations within the Government. Both positive and negative outcomes were experienced by animal rescue organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings should be considered for future crises and indeed the everyday operating procedures of companion animal rescue organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Carroll
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queens UniversityBelfast, UK
| | - Catherine Reeve
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queens UniversityBelfast, UK
| | - Alice Torjussen
- School of Engineering and Informatics, Brighton, University of Sussex, UK
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Brand CL, O’Neill DG, Belshaw Z, Dale FC, Merritt BL, Clover KN, Tay MXM, Pegram CL, Packer RMA. Impacts of Puppy Early Life Experiences, Puppy-Purchasing Practices, and Owner Characteristics on Owner-Reported Problem Behaviours in a UK Pandemic Puppies Cohort at 21 Months of Age. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:336. [PMID: 38275796 PMCID: PMC10812580 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Problem behaviours are a leading cause of relinquishment and euthanasia of young dogs. Previous research has identified associations between owner-reported problem behaviours and risk factors, including how dogs were acquired as puppies, early socialisation experiences, and owners' experience levels. Puppies acquired during the 2020 phase of the UK COVID-19 pandemic ("Pandemic Puppies") were more likely to be exposed to many of these risk factors compared to puppies acquired in 2019; however, consequences for their adult behaviour are, as yet, unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these early-life and provenance-based risk factors, in addition to owner management strategies (including training methods) into early adulthood, upon adult dog behaviour aged 21 months. An online longitudinal cohort study of n = 985 Pandemic Puppies was conducted, recruited from a cohort of n = 4369 puppies originally surveyed in November-December 2020, which included data on how and why they were acquired and their socialisation/habituation experiences <16 weeks of age. Nearly all owners (96.7%) reported that their dog had exhibited at least one problem behaviour up to 21 months of age (median: 5; IQR: 3-7). Almost one third of dogs (30.9%) were reported to have displayed separation-related behaviours. Multivariable linear regression modelling revealed that owners reporting more problem behaviours were more likely to use multiple aversive training techniques (e.g., physical punishment), the use of which was notably high in this population (82.3%) compared to previous studies. Attendance at online puppy classes was the sole protective factor against owner use of aversive training methods. Almost one third of owners had underestimated how hard training their dog would be; this view was more likely among first-time owners. Urgent efforts are required to support this vulnerable population of dogs, including providing owner education regarding humane training techniques, to improve canine emotional health and avoid future relinquishment and/or behavioural euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L. Brand
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Dan G. O’Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (F.C.D.); (C.L.P.)
| | - Zoe Belshaw
- EviVet Evidence-Based Veterinary Consultancy, Nottingham NG2 5HY, UK;
| | - Fiona C. Dale
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (F.C.D.); (C.L.P.)
| | - Bree L. Merritt
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Kathryn N. Clover
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Mi-Xue Michelle Tay
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Camilla L. Pegram
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (F.C.D.); (C.L.P.)
| | - Rowena M. A. Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
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Carroll GA, Torjussen A, Reeve C. Companion animal adoption and relinquishment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Households with children at greatest risk of relinquishing a cat or dog. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e56. [PMID: 38487435 PMCID: PMC10936344 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the factors associated with companion animal relinquishment is key in safeguarding animal welfare and human well-being. The aims of this study were to assess the effect of demographic variables on risk of relinquishment of cats and dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to report characteristics of those that relinquished a cat or dog, and the experience of said relinquishment process. A series of surveys were administered to pet owners (n = 3,945) across several countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain and France. In total, n = 1,324 reported having acquired their cat or dog via online means. There was no association between online source (search engines, breeder websites, rescue websites, online ad sites and social media) and relinquishment status (NCR1 [Never Considered Relinquishment] compared to CR_R [Considering Relinquishment or already Relinquished]. More participants from the USA considered or already had relinquished their cat or dog compared to the UK and Italy. Of those that have already given up their pet, 76.2% agreed that it was an emotionally difficult decision, while 100% agreed that it was, logically, the correct decision. Demographic characteristics in those that reported considering relinquishment or that had already relinquished (CR_R; n = 146) were compared to a comparison group that had never considered relinquishing their pet (NCR2; n = 193). Being a male-gendered pet-owner and a younger pet age increased the risk of relinquishment. Cats and dogs from households with children were 4.6 times more likely to consider or have already relinquished a cat or dog compared to those from households without children. Further research is needed to explore risk of relinquishment of cats and dogs when children are present in the home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Carroll
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queens University Belfast
| | | | - Catherine Reeve
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queens University Belfast
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5
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Packer RMA, Brand CL, Belshaw Z, Pegram CL, Dale F, Stevens KB, O'Neill DG. Is UK Puppy Purchasing Suffering a Long COVID Effect? Ongoing Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic upon Puppy Purchase Motivations and Behaviours in 2021. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2186. [PMID: 37443983 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in acquisitions of puppies in the UK, dubbed the "Pandemic Puppy" phenomenon. In addition to an increased demand for puppies, widespread changes to both why and how puppies were purchased during this period compared to pre-pandemic 2019 purchases were documented, many of which threatened canine welfare (e.g., puppies being collected away from their place of birth, without seeing their mother). This study aimed to explore which changes to the pre-purchase and purchase motivations and behaviours of UK owners who purchased a puppy aged <16 weeks in the 2020 phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had persisted into 2021 or had returned to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. An online survey was conducted during February to April 2022 from which 2080 valid responses were analysed ("2021 puppies") and compared with previously collected data from comparable cohorts in 2019 (n = 1148, "2019 puppies") and 2020 (n = 4369, "Pandemic Puppies"). While the majority of the peak pandemic changes documented in 2020 had returned to their 2019 pre-pandemic baseline, others persisted into 2021. Multinomial logistic regression models revealed that the shifts during 2020 towards owners viewing their puppy pre-purchase over video calls or via video recordings/photos rather than in-person and towards collecting their puppy from outside of their breeders' property rather than inside had persisted into 2021 and had not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Year-on-year significant rises in the number of puppies sold with a passport were documented between 2019 and 2021, with over 1 in 10 2021 puppies having been sold with a passport, the figure more than doubling since 2019. An increasing number of these puppies sold with a passport were under the minimum legal age for import at sale. Going forward, these concerning changes require further monitoring and human behaviour change interventions to tackle, including increased buyer awareness but also legislative approaches to prevent the greatest harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena M A Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Claire L Brand
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Zoe Belshaw
- EviVet Evidence-Based Veterinary Consultancy, Nottingham NG2 5HY, UK
| | - Camilla L Pegram
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Fiona Dale
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Kim B Stevens
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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6
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Wu H, Bains RS, Preston C. Physical health caregiver, mental wellness supporter, and overall well-being advocate: Women's roles towards animal welfare during the COVID-19 emergency response. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2023; 92:103719. [PMID: 37124151 PMCID: PMC10124105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Women's health-specific contributions in emergency response stages pertain primarily to family and community-based rescue and support-focused roles. As disasters affect both human beings and their animal co-inhabitants, comprehensive literature exploring women's contributions towards companion animal welfare in emergency response settings remains sparse. COVID-19-triggered public health mitigation strategies caused diverse challenges relating to veterinary medical service access, thus establishing a platform for a nuanced exploration of gendered roles vis-a-vis animal health and well-being during the initial COVID-19 emergency response period. This project employs a semi-structured interview approach to qualitatively investigate the roles, responsibilities, and experiences of twelve people, eleven of whom self-identify as women, who cared for animal co-inhabitants while seeking veterinary medical services during the COVID-19 emergency response in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This research identifies three primary animal welfare-related roles that woman companion animal guardians (WCAGs) assumed during the COVID-19 emergency response period: 1) Companion animal physical health caregiver, spanning from nuclear to extended families and into the community; 2) Companion animal mental wellness supporter, associated with human-animal interactions in family/household, community, and veterinary clinic settings; 3) Companion animal holistic well-being advocate, utilizing various strategies at family, community, and societal levels. Understanding gender-specific animal welfare contributions in an emergency response setting narrows knowledge gaps and provides WCAGs and animal welfare-related public, private, and not-for-profit sectors with evidence-based strategies for emergency response planning improvements, supporting healthy and sustainable human-animal bonds in the current COVID-19 pandemic and future extreme events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haorui Wu
- School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, 3201-1459 LeMarchant St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Ravinder Sarah Bains
- School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, 3201-1459 LeMarchant St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Carole Preston
- School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, 3201-1459 LeMarchant St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
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Carroll GA, Torjussen A, Reeve C. Companion animal adoption and relinquishment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Peri-pandemic pets at greatest risk of relinquishment. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1017954. [PMID: 36246327 PMCID: PMC9563850 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1017954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a situation globally where companion animals may be at increased risk of relinquishment and abandonment due to multiple interrelated factors. The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of self-reported adoption and relinquishment of cats and dogs during the pandemic, and to identify characteristics associated with relinquishment. A survey was distributed to 4,000 participants across several countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain and France. N = 3,945 responses were available for analysis. Three groups of participants were identified; Those that never considered relinquishment (NCR), those that have considered relinquishment (CR) and those that have already relinquished a cat or dog (R). Two follow-up surveys were sent to CR and R participants. Considering data from the three surveys, 4.06% of participants considered giving up their pet, 0.74% relinquished their pet, and 0.2% considered and then later give up their pet. Compared to pets given as a gift, there was a 38.7% decreased likelihood of relinquishment in pets sourced from a shelter (P < 0.001), 31.2% decrease in those sourced from a breeder, and a 24.4% decrease in those acquired directly from someone that needed to find a new home for their cat or dog. Compared to owners who acquired their pet > 6 months before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, those acquired < 6 months before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic were three times more likely to be considered for, or be, given up (P < 0.001) and those acquired after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic were two times more likely to be considered for, or be, given up (P < 0.001). There was a trend for greater likelihood of CR or R of pets acquired online (P = 0.074). Of those that had already given up their pet, 14.3% relinquished to a shelter, 66.7% gave their pet to a new owner and 19% obtained temporary care from someone else. A total of 65.0% of CR participants were male, increasing to 72.2% of R participants. There was no effect of species (cat or dog) on risk of relinquishment. Financial constraints were the most mentioned reason for both giving up a pet and considering giving up a pet, followed by health concerns specific to COVID-19, and behavioral problems. The findings from this study should be used to inform interventions aimed at reducing companion animal relinquishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A. Carroll
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Torjussen
- Animal-Computer Interaction Lab, School of Engineering and Informatics, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Reeve
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Habarth-Morales TE, Rios-Diaz AJ, Caterson EJ. Pandemic Puppies: Man's Best Friend or Public Health Problem? A Multidatabase Study. J Surg Res 2022; 276:203-207. [PMID: 35378364 PMCID: PMC9576631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The public health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic reach beyond those of the disease itself. Various centers have anecdotally reported increases in the incidence of dog bite injuries which predominate in pediatric populations. The reasons for this increase are likely multifactorial and include an increase in canine adoptions, remote learning, and psychosocial stressors induced by lockdowns. We hypothesized that there was a significant increase in the proportion of dog bite injuries at our institution and within a nationally representative cohort. METHODS We queried our electronic health record and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for all records pertaining to dog bites between 2015 and 2020, and the annual incidence was calculated. Poisson regression was then used to estimate whether there was a significant difference in the adjusted risk ratio for each year. RESULTS The institutional and national cohorts revealed relative increases in the incidence of dog bite injury of 243 and 147.9 per 100,000 over the study period, respectively. Both cohorts observed significant increases of 44% and 25% in the annual incidence relative to 2019, respectively. Poisson regression revealed a significantly elevated adjusted relative risk in the institutional cohort for 2020 (2.664, CI: 2.076-3.419, P < 0.001). The national cohort also revealed an increase (1.129, CI: 1.091-1.169, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A nationwide increase in the incidence of dog bite injuries among children was observed during COVID-19 in 2020. These findings suggest that dog bites remain a public health problem that must be addressed by public health agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore E Habarth-Morales
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Arturo J Rios-Diaz
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Edward J Caterson
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware.
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Brand CL, O’Neill DG, Belshaw Z, Pegram CL, Stevens KB, Packer RMA. Pandemic Puppies: Demographic Characteristics, Health and Early Life Experiences of Puppies Acquired during the 2020 Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050629. [PMID: 35268198 PMCID: PMC8909199 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The UK recorded sharp rises in puppy purchasing during the 2020 phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many first-time dog owners purchasing puppies to improve their mental health during this challenging period. Government restrictions on movement and social interaction during the pandemic led to animal welfare concerns over puppies’ reduced time-sensitive exposures to key environmental and social stimuli during their critical developmental period. This study aimed to compare demographics, health and early-life experiences of puppies purchased and brought home < 16 weeks of age between 23 March−31 December 2020 (“Pandemic Puppies”), with dogs purchased and brought home < 16 weeks during the same date period in 2019 (“2019 puppies”). An online survey of UK-based puppy owners was conducted between 10 November and 31 December 2020 with valid responses representing 5517 puppies (Pandemic Puppies: n = 4369; 2019 puppies: n = 1148). Multivariable logistic regression modelling revealed that Pandemic Puppies were less likely to have attended puppy training classes (67.9% 2019 vs. 28.9% 2020; p < 0.001) or had visitors to their home (94.5% 2019 vs. 81.8% 2020; p < 0.001) aged < 16 weeks compared with 2019 puppies. Fewer Pandemic Puppies underwent veterinary checks prior to purchase than 2019 puppies (2019: 91.3% vs. 2020: 87.4%; p < 0.001), but more were sold with a passport (2019: 4.1% vs. 2020: 7.1%; p < 0.001). Pandemic Puppies were significantly more likely to be ‘Designer Crossbreeds’ (2019: 18.8% vs. 2020: 26.1%; p < 0.001) and less likely to be Kennel Club registered than 2019 puppies (2019: 58.2% vs. 2020: 46.2%; p < 0.001). Greater support from veterinary and animal behavioural professionals is likely needed to ameliorate the health and behavioural impacts of growing up in a pandemic upon this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L. Brand
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK;
| | - Dan G. O’Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (C.L.P.); (K.B.S.)
| | - Zoe Belshaw
- EviVet Evidence-Based Veterinary Consultancy, Nottingham NG2 5HU, UK;
| | - Camilla L. Pegram
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (C.L.P.); (K.B.S.)
| | - Kim B. Stevens
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (C.L.P.); (K.B.S.)
| | - Rowena M. A. Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK;
- Correspondence:
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