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Previti A, Biondi V, Pugliese M, Alibrandi A, Zirilli A, Roccaro M, Peli A, Passantino A. Canine Euthanasia's Trend Analysis during Thirty Years (1990-2020) in Italy: A Veterinary Hospital as Case Study. Vet Sci 2024; 11:224. [PMID: 38787196 PMCID: PMC11126112 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate changes in the number of, and reasons for, requests for dogs' euthanasia over the last thirty years. Data (breed, age, gender, neuter status, manner, and cause of death) from dogs' euthanasia registered between 1990 and 2020 in a small animals' veterinary hospital were analyzed. The overall period examined has been split into two terms (T1 = 1990-2004 and T2 = 2005-2020) considering the introduction and enforcement of Law 189/2004. During the whole period examined, a significant increasing trend in euthanasia cases has been recorded (p = 0.027). Comparing the two terms, we observed significant differences regarding variables such as age, breed, reproductive status, and ownership. The number of euthanized dogs was significantly higher in T1 than in T2. Dogs euthanized in T2 were older than dogs in T1. A high percentage of the euthanized dogs were crossbred and stray dogs. Additionally, the number of neutered/spayed dogs was significantly higher. Regarding the cause of death, a significantly higher percentage of neoplastic processes was detected in T2. The data here reported suggest a potential influence of Law 189/2004. This law in Italy has proven to be a legal milestone that has influenced the decision-making process between euthanasia and natural death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Previti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Michela Pugliese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (A.Z.)
| | - Agata Zirilli
- Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (A.Z.)
| | - Mariana Roccaro
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (M.R.); (A.P.)
| | - Angelo Peli
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (M.R.); (A.P.)
| | - Annamaria Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.)
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Skrzypek K, Zawojska E. What characteristics of dogs help them stay shorter in shelters? Evidence from a polish animal shelter. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38329056 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2024.2308171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Staying in animal shelters can be stressful for dogs because of exposure to noise, unfamiliar environment, and social separation. Consequently, the wellbeing of sheltered dogs could be improved through reduction of length of stay in a shelter (LOS). To help inform the development of interventions aimed at LOS reduction, we analyze dogs' characteristics affecting their LOS. We use econometric modeling to identify the characteristics's influence by simultaneously controlling for multiple factors. We use data from Poland's largest animal shelter (11805 observations from the years 2000-2020). We compare two modeling approaches: a Cox survival model, commonly used in animal welfare studies, and an accelerated failure time model, theoretically better fitted to studying time-dependent factors but not yet applied in the context of LOS. We conclude that the latter approach is preferable for studying factors affecting LOS. Male sex, mixed-breed, dark fur, large size, and older age appear to be associated with longer time to adoption for dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first econometric examination of factors affecting LOS in a country in Central and Eastern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Zawojska
- Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Gunter LM, Blade EM, Gilchrist RJ, Nixon BJ, Reed JL, Platzer JM, Wurpts IC, Feuerbacher EN, Wynne CDL. The Influence of Brief Outing and Temporary Fostering Programs on Shelter Dog Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3528. [PMID: 38003145 PMCID: PMC10668817 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223528] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human interaction is one of the most consistently effective interventions that can improve the welfare of shelter-living dogs. Time out of the kennel with a person has been shown to reduce physiological measures of stress as can leaving the shelter for a night or more in a foster home. In this study, we assessed the effects of brief outings and temporary fostering stays on dogs' length of stay and outcomes. In total, we analyzed data of 1955 dogs from 51 animal shelters that received these interventions as well as 25,946 dogs residing at these shelters that served as our controls. We found that brief outings and temporary fostering stays increased dogs' likelihood of adoption by 5.0 and 14.3 times, respectively. While their lengths of stay were longer in comparison to control dogs, this difference was present prior to the intervention. Additionally, we found that these programs were more successful when greater percentages of community members (as compared to volunteers and staff) were involved in caregiving as well as when programs were implemented by better-resourced shelters. As such, animal welfare organizations should consider implementing these fostering programs as evidence-based best practices that can positively impact the outcomes of shelter dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Gunter
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (E.M.B.); (R.J.G.); (C.D.L.W.)
| | - Emily M. Blade
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (E.M.B.); (R.J.G.); (C.D.L.W.)
| | - Rachel J. Gilchrist
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (E.M.B.); (R.J.G.); (C.D.L.W.)
| | - Betsy J. Nixon
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (E.M.B.); (R.J.G.); (C.D.L.W.)
| | - Jenifer L. Reed
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.L.R.); (J.M.P.); (E.N.F.)
| | - Joanna M. Platzer
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.L.R.); (J.M.P.); (E.N.F.)
| | | | - Erica N. Feuerbacher
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.L.R.); (J.M.P.); (E.N.F.)
| | - Clive D. L. Wynne
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (E.M.B.); (R.J.G.); (C.D.L.W.)
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4
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Minnis LE, Davis DB, Loftis KE. Decision Factors Considered By Potential Dog Adopters During Shelter Visitation. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2022:1-16. [PMID: 36324195 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2141574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The decision-making behavior of potential dog adopters remains a research gap that needs to be addressed to model the adoption decision-making process and understand how shelter and rescue strategies may increase adoption decisions. This study investigated decision considerations of potential adopters visiting eight Mid-Atlantic dog adoption sites. Surveys from potential adopters (N = 517) were examined for information about their search, adoption intent during visit, and the decision factor(s) under consideration. Findings showed dog behavior was the top decision factor that potential adopters considered (305; 58.9%), which was significantly greater than chance (χ2 = 16.729, p < .01). Behavior was followed by dog's age (χ2 = 17.456, p < .01), size (χ2 = 50.137, p < .01), and lifestyle fit (χ2 = 57.89, p < .01). Overall findings suggest potential adopters consider similar sets of decision factors when heading into adoption site visits, independent of age group, type of household, or prior experience having pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E Minnis
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Doris Bitler Davis
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Kate E Loftis
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Polick CS, Applebaum JW, Hanna C, Jackson D, Tsaras-Schumacher S, Hawkins R, Conceicao A, O'Brien LM, Chervin RD, Braley TJ. The Impact of Pet Care Needs on Medical Decision-Making among Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Patient Experience. J Patient Exp 2021; 8:10.1177_23743735211046089. [PMID: 34616880 PMCID: PMC8489745 DOI: 10.1177/23743735211046089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hospital-based protocols to support pet care needs for hospitalized patients may have potential to benefit patient health and wellbeing, but must be informed by experiences of hospitalized pet owners. The aim of this study was to determine the scope and need for pet care services among hospitalized patients. A panel of prior inpatients and their family members at a tertiary care center were surveyed about preferences, experiences, and need for assistance with pet care during hospitalization. Respondents (n = 113) expressed interest in a low/no-cost pet-boarding or foster program for adult patients struggling to find pet care assistance. The majority of respondents (n = 71; 63%) reported challenges securing pet care during a prior hospitalization, and/or knew someone who encountered similar challenges. Respondents also indicated that these challenges had a negative impact on health, recovery, or their own decision to receive medical care. Pet care challenges during hospitalization are likely common and have the potential to hamper medical decision-making and health outcomes of inpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carri S Polick
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer W Applebaum
- Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Caitlin Hanna
- Office of Patient Experience, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Darnysus Jackson
- Office of Patient Experience, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Rachel Hawkins
- Department of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alan Conceicao
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Louise M O'Brien
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ronald D Chervin
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tiffany J Braley
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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