Summary
The
principal tools currently used in Italy to limit stray dog populations
are dog registration and identification, birth control and increasing
public awareness. Since 1991, national legislation does not permit
euthanasia of unwanted roaming dogs unless they have an incurable
condition or are proven to be dangerous. Unattended dogs are placed
in long-term shelters in questionable conditions where they often
remain for most of their lives. Kennel management is one of the
most critical aspects of animal welfare, particularly as the number
of stray dogs is rising faster than the current rate of adoption.
The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dellAbruzzo
e del Molise G. Caporale
(IZS A&M)
manages two kennels in Teramo and uses standard management procedures
that include regular behavioural and physical examinations. All
results recorded in a computer database were analysed to identify
production goals and improve welfare, in line with a population
medicine model. Prevalence and incidence of different pathologies
were recorded and analysed to improve veterinary management and
organisation. No new dogs were admitted from 2005 onwards, thereby
producing an ideal closed
system
where the effects of rational management can be studied in the absence
of unpredictable risks from introduced pathologies. Statistical
evaluations revealed major differences between 2006 and 2007. The
use of the population
medicine
management system resulted in improved dog health and welfare, as
indicated by the significant reduction in both the prevalence and
incidence of major pathologies between 2006 and 2007. A significant
improvement was also seen in the control of the incidence of leishmaniasis
which reduced sharply during this period.
Keywords
Animal,
Dog, No-kill, Kennel, Management, Population medicine, Shelter,
Welfare. |