dog population control: animal welfare issues from a developing country's perspective - s....

Dog Population Control:Dog Population Control:Animal Welfare Issues from Animal Welfare Issues from

a Developing Country’s a Developing Country’s PerspectivePerspective

S. Abdul RahmanS. Abdul RahmanRetd. Dean,Retd. Dean,Veterinary College, Bangalore, IndiaVeterinary College, Bangalore, India

SecretarySecretaryCommonwealth Veterinary AssociationCommonwealth Veterinary Association

PreamblePreamble• WHO estimates dog WHO estimates dog

population worldwide is population worldwide is 10% that of human 10% that of human populationpopulation

• Of these 75% can be Of these 75% can be regarded as ‘strays’regarded as ‘strays’

• India has a livestock India has a livestock population of 500 million population of 500 million out of which the dog out of which the dog population is population is approximately 22 million.approximately 22 million.

• The stray dog population The stray dog population is around 80%.is around 80%.

Size of the ProblemSize of the Problem

• With the spread of urbanisation, stray With the spread of urbanisation, stray dogs are likely to increase.dogs are likely to increase.

• Causes concern about rabies and dog Causes concern about rabies and dog bite incidents.bite incidents.

• In particular those involving childrenIn particular those involving children

The Stray Dog Population The Stray Dog Population could consist of the followingcould consist of the following

• Owned dogs that have been Owned dogs that have been accidentally lostaccidentally lost

• Owned dogs that are allowed Owned dogs that are allowed to roam freelyto roam freely

• Owned dogs that have been Owned dogs that have been abandonedabandoned

• ‘‘Community’ dogsCommunity’ dogs

• Feral dogsFeral dogs

Sources of Stray Urban DogsSources of Stray Urban Dogs

a. Irresponsible Animal Ownershipa. Irresponsible Animal Ownership

b. Uncontrolled Breeding withinb. Uncontrolled Breeding within

c. Carrying Capacity of the Environmentc. Carrying Capacity of the Environment

Sources of Stray Urban Dogs Sources of Stray Urban Dogs (contd..)(contd..)

a. Irresponsible Animal Ownershipa. Irresponsible Animal Ownership

– Allowing owned animals to roam Allowing owned animals to roam unsupervisedunsupervised

– Abandonment of unwanted animalsAbandonment of unwanted animals


b. Uncontrolled Breedingb. Uncontrolled Breeding• Within Owned population and Within Owned population and

subsequent abandonment of offspring. subsequent abandonment of offspring.

• Within Stray populationWithin Stray population

• Commercial breeders producing an Commercial breeders producing an excess of animals under poor conditionsexcess of animals under poor conditions


c. Carrying Capacity of the Environmentc. Carrying Capacity of the Environment

– Identification of essential resources and which Identification of essential resources and which resource is the most limiting factor (often resource is the most limiting factor (often food)food)

– Reduction of the carrying capacityReduction of the carrying capacity(ex. via improved solid waste management)(ex. via improved solid waste management)

– Reduction of carrying capacity should be Reduction of carrying capacity should be linked to reduction in animal population by linked to reduction in animal population by other methods.other methods.

Problems caused by Stray Problems caused by Stray DogsDogs

• Zoonoses (e.g. rabies, echinococcosis, Zoonoses (e.g. rabies, echinococcosis, leishmaniosis)leishmaniosis)

• Environmental pollution (e.g. noise, faeces)Environmental pollution (e.g. noise, faeces)• Nuisance behaviour (noise, chasing vehicles) Nuisance behaviour (noise, chasing vehicles) • Traffic accidents Traffic accidents • Injury to people and animals;Injury to people and animals;• Invasion of environmental preserve areasInvasion of environmental preserve areas

Zoonosis – RabiesZoonosis – Rabies• The increase in dog population has resulted in The increase in dog population has resulted in

an increased incidence of dog bite cases.an increased incidence of dog bite cases.• Dogs continue to be the main source of rabies Dogs continue to be the main source of rabies

infection to man.infection to man.• It has been estimated that nearly 96% of people It has been estimated that nearly 96% of people

seeking anti-rabies treatment are exposed to seeking anti-rabies treatment are exposed to dogs.dogs.

• A rabies survey in India has shown that 50% of A rabies survey in India has shown that 50% of rabies cases were due to pet dogs bites.rabies cases were due to pet dogs bites.

Global Outputs – DeathsGlobal Outputs – Deaths

URBANURBAN• IndiaIndia = 1,058= 1,058• China China = 1,324= 1,324• Other AsiaOther Asia = = 0,0,853853• AfricaAfrica = 5,886= 5,886

RURALRURAL• India India = =

18,20118,201• ChinaChina = =

001,2571,257• Other Asia Other Asia = =

008,1358,135• AfricaAfrica = =

17,93717,937

Urban: 9000: 16%

Rural: 46000: 84%

Gist of WHO-APCRI Indian Rabies Survey, Gist of WHO-APCRI Indian Rabies Survey, 2003-04:2003-04:

Need for Public Awareness and Professional EducationNeed for Public Awareness and Professional Education

IRS, 2003-04IRS, 2003-04 Public Public AwarenessAwareness

ProfessionaProfessional Educationl Education

• 20,000 Human rabies deaths annually20,000 Human rabies deaths annually(45% global rabies load of 55,000)(45% global rabies load of 55,000) ++ ++++

• 96% due to Dogs96% due to Dogs ++++ ++

• 76% in rural population76% in rural population ++ ++++

• 88% in poor & low Income people88% in poor & low Income people ++ ++

• 71% were adults71% were adults ++ ++++

• 79% had no ARV79% had no ARV ++ ++++++

• 2% only receive RIGs2% only receive RIGs ++ ++++++

• 60% resorted to indigenous treatment60% resorted to indigenous treatment ++++ ++

• 35% deaths in hospital35% deaths in hospital ++ ++++

• NIL laboratory confirmation of deathsNIL laboratory confirmation of deaths ++ ++

+ Initiation ++ Intensification +++ Massive action+ Initiation ++ Intensification +++ Massive action

Rabies Vaccination in Owned Rabies Vaccination in Owned and Stray Dogsand Stray Dogs

• Stray dog control programmes Stray dog control programmes cannot be considered in isolation of cannot be considered in isolation of rabies controlrabies control

• 100% vaccination not essential100% vaccination not essential• Owned dogs linked to registrationOwned dogs linked to registration• Injectable vaccine most cost- Injectable vaccine most cost-

effectiveeffective• Oral baits possible in some casesOral baits possible in some cases• Could be combined with worming Could be combined with worming

Animal Welfare Issues of Stray Animal Welfare Issues of Stray DogsDogs

• Lack of protection from adverse Lack of protection from adverse environmental factorsenvironmental factors

• Insufficient feed resourcesInsufficient feed resources• Exposure to adverse conditions Exposure to adverse conditions

and lack of veterinary careand lack of veterinary care• Aggressive encounters with other Aggressive encounters with other

animals and humansanimals and humans• Lack or deficient or inadequate Lack or deficient or inadequate

zoonoses control programszoonoses control programs

Dog Population Control Dog Population Control StrategyStrategy

a. Addressing the Sources of Stray a. Addressing the Sources of Stray Urban DogsUrban Dogs

b. Current Stray Populationb. Current Stray Population

c. Control of Zoonosisc. Control of Zoonosis

Dog Population Control Strategy Dog Population Control Strategy (contd..)(contd..)

a. Addressing the Sources of Stray a. Addressing the Sources of Stray Urban DogsUrban Dogs

• Selection of competent personnelSelection of competent personnel• periodic training of personnelperiodic training of personnel• periodic evaluation of the workperiodic evaluation of the work• Protection and resourcing of personnel Protection and resourcing of personnel

(vaccination, protective gear and counselling)(vaccination, protective gear and counselling)• Infrastructure and equipmentInfrastructure and equipment


b. Current Stray Populationb. Current Stray Population• Estimating the existing numbers and distribution of Estimating the existing numbers and distribution of

straysstrays• Reuniting local animals with owners.Reuniting local animals with owners.• Registration and identification and minimum holding Registration and identification and minimum holding

timetime• Re-homing. Fostering services or re-homing centres.Re-homing. Fostering services or re-homing centres.• Minimum standards for re homing centres, Minimum standards for re homing centres, • Catch neuter release.Catch neuter release.


c. Control of Zoonosisc. Control of Zoonosis

• The most important aspect of dog control The most important aspect of dog control programme is that of Zoonosis control. programme is that of Zoonosis control.

• Among the number of diseases Among the number of diseases transmitted by dogs, especially stray, transmitted by dogs, especially stray, Rabies ranks number one.Rabies ranks number one.

Identification of Animal Welfare issues Identification of Animal Welfare issues created by Dog Population Control created by Dog Population Control

StrategyStrategy

• The following were identified as major The following were identified as major issues arising out of stray dog control issues arising out of stray dog control programmesprogrammes..– Inhumane methods of killing in the field (e.g. Inhumane methods of killing in the field (e.g.

shooting and poisoning)shooting and poisoning)– Improper dog handling and careImproper dog handling and care– Inhumane methods of catchingInhumane methods of catching– Unsuitable transport such as poorly designed vehicles Unsuitable transport such as poorly designed vehicles

and improper use and improper use – Improper loading and unloadingImproper loading and unloading

Identification of Animal Welfare issues Identification of Animal Welfare issues created by Dog Population Control created by Dog Population Control

Strategy Strategy (Contd.)(Contd.)

• Poor holding facilities (shelter/re-homing centre/ pound)Poor holding facilities (shelter/re-homing centre/ pound)• Lack of euthanasia in the case of incurable animal Lack of euthanasia in the case of incurable animal

sufferingsuffering• Inhumane killing of captured dogs (e.g. electrocution Inhumane killing of captured dogs (e.g. electrocution

/gassing /drowning etc.)/gassing /drowning etc.)• Poor surgical techniques, pre-operative and post-Poor surgical techniques, pre-operative and post-

operativeoperative• Inappropriate Adoption/re-homing/reuniting to Inappropriate Adoption/re-homing/reuniting to

irresponsible owner or inappropriate home,irresponsible owner or inappropriate home,• Release into inappropriate environmentRelease into inappropriate environment

Setting of OIE StandardsSetting of OIE Standards

• World Organisation for Animal Health World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)(OIE)

• Constituted a Working Group on Animal Constituted a Working Group on Animal Welfare Welfare

• Has prepared Guidelines for Dog Has prepared Guidelines for Dog Population ControlPopulation Control

Considerations for a Practical Considerations for a Practical Stray Dog Population Control Stray Dog Population Control

ProgrammeProgramme• Accurately assess the nature of the problemAccurately assess the nature of the problem• Balance the need for retaining the benefits of pet Balance the need for retaining the benefits of pet

ownership while addressing the stray animal ownership while addressing the stray animal problemproblem

• Take account of all “stakeholders”Take account of all “stakeholders”• Co-ordinate the activities of all appropriate groupsCo-ordinate the activities of all appropriate groups• Employ humane methods only (ABC programme)Employ humane methods only (ABC programme)• Source of food (garbage) to be eliminatedSource of food (garbage) to be eliminated• Change attitudes by educationChange attitudes by education

Education: Promotion of Education: Promotion of Responsible Pet Ownership Responsible Pet Ownership

• The major challenge The major challenge for a successful for a successful programmeprogramme

• All agencies have a All agencies have a role to playrole to play

• All agencies should All agencies should give the same give the same messagemessage

Responsible Pet OwnershipResponsible Pet Ownership• Ensure the needs of the pet Ensure the needs of the pet

are provided for – Five are provided for – Five FreedomsFreedoms

• Reduce the risk of injury or Reduce the risk of injury or disease to humansdisease to humans

• Reduce the risk of injury or Reduce the risk of injury or disease to other animalsdisease to other animals

• Reduce the risk of Reduce the risk of pollution/nuisance to societypollution/nuisance to society

GarbageGarbageCollectionCollection

• Availability of food determines Availability of food determines the population sizethe population size

• Poor hygiene of slaughter Poor hygiene of slaughter houses, butchers, and food houses, butchers, and food outlets is an added public health outlets is an added public health riskrisk

• Private contractors may be more Private contractors may be more effective though more expensiveeffective though more expensive

A Role for Feeding Stations?A Role for Feeding Stations?

Registration and IdentificationRegistration and Identification

• Basis for legislationBasis for legislation• Allows instant Allows instant

differentiation of owned and differentiation of owned and unowned animalsunowned animals

• Rapid return of lost petsRapid return of lost pets• Recognition of Recognition of

abandonmentabandonment• Financial incentives for Financial incentives for

neuteringneutering• Monitoring of vaccinationMonitoring of vaccination• Improved population Improved population

censuscensus

Neutering of Owned AnimalsNeutering of Owned Animals• Aspect of responsible pet Aspect of responsible pet

ownershipownership• May be owner reluctance – May be owner reluctance –

especially with malesespecially with males• Veterinarians need to educate Veterinarians need to educate

owners of benefitsowners of benefits• Neutering campaigns – long term Neutering campaigns – long term

aim to encourage local practitionersaim to encourage local practitioners• Financial incentives associated with Financial incentives associated with

registrationregistration

Neutering of Stray DogsNeutering of Stray Dogs• Neutering prior toNeutering prior to

re-homing re-homing

• Neuter and release Neuter and release programmes for programmes for community or feral community or feral animalsanimals

Commonwealth Veterinary Commonwealth Veterinary AssociationAssociation

• 54 Member countries in 6 regions of the 54 Member countries in 6 regions of the WorldWorld

• Principle Collaborator with OIEPrinciple Collaborator with OIE• Have initiated Stray Dog Control Have initiated Stray Dog Control

programmes inprogrammes in– UgandaUganda– MalaysiaMalaysia– Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea– PakistanPakistan– BangladeshBangladesh– Sri LankaSri Lanka

Dog Neuter and Release Dog Neuter and Release Programmes in IndiaProgrammes in India

• Neuter and Release Programme popularly Neuter and Release Programme popularly known as Animal Birth Control (ABC) known as Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programmes.Programmes.

• Adopted in many Indian cities.Adopted in many Indian cities.• Involves catch-neuter-release programme Involves catch-neuter-release programme

directed at roaming dogs.directed at roaming dogs.• All neuter dogs also vaccinated against All neuter dogs also vaccinated against

rabies.rabies.

Dog Neuter and Release Dog Neuter and Release Programmes in India Programmes in India (Contd.)(Contd.)

ABC Programme in Jaipur, India.ABC Programme in Jaipur, India.• For many years street dogs were For many years street dogs were

regularly poisoned with strychnine by the regularly poisoned with strychnine by the city municipality.city municipality.

• Not effective in either reducing the Not effective in either reducing the population or elimination of rabies.population or elimination of rabies.

• Most inhumane means of killing.Most inhumane means of killing.


ABC Programme in Jaipur, India.ABC Programme in Jaipur, India.• In 1994, Help In Suffering (HIS) with the support of WSPA In 1994, Help In Suffering (HIS) with the support of WSPA

launched the ABC Programme following WHO/WSPA launched the ABC Programme following WHO/WSPA Guidelines.Guidelines.

• Street dogs are humanely captured, sterilized, identified Street dogs are humanely captured, sterilized, identified with an ear notch and number tattoo, vaccinated against with an ear notch and number tattoo, vaccinated against rabies and released back exactly where they came from. rabies and released back exactly where they came from.

• 70% female dogs in Jaipur now sterilized and vaccinated.70% female dogs in Jaipur now sterilized and vaccinated.

Coaxing a dog closer with a titbit prior to capture

Preparing to catch a street dog with the sack

The captured street dog is carefully lifted into the ambulance


ABC Programme in Jaipur, India.ABC Programme in Jaipur, India.• Reported incidence of human rabies cases has Reported incidence of human rabies cases has

reduced to zero for the last several years in the area reduced to zero for the last several years in the area where the HIS ABC programme functions. where the HIS ABC programme functions.

• Full records are kept, and each dog is returned to the Full records are kept, and each dog is returned to the same place it was captured in its own familiar territory. same place it was captured in its own familiar territory.

• Help In Suffering ABC Programme provides evidence Help In Suffering ABC Programme provides evidence that street dog populations do stabilise that street dog populations do stabilise

• Jaipur street dog population is healthier and friendlier Jaipur street dog population is healthier and friendlier than in other cities.than in other cities.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

• WSPA, UKWSPA, UK

• Blue Cross of India, Chennai, IndiaBlue Cross of India, Chennai, India

• Help In Suffering, IndiaHelp In Suffering, India

• Rabies In Asia Foundation, IndiaRabies In Asia Foundation, India

Thank YouThank You

Questions ?Questions ?

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