A Pilot Study to Develop an Assessment Tool for Dogs Undergoing Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) in Italy. An Overview on the National Implementation of TNR Programmes

Abstract

A descriptive analysis, inter-observer and test–retest reliability of the animal-based measures (ABMs) included in the protocol were performed. This study aimed at the development of a welfare assessment protocol for dogs recruited in the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programmes and the description of the implantation of these programmes in Italy. Nine Italian regions carried out TNR programmes. A varied scenario, along with some critical issues, emerged. Fifty dogs were recruited and assessed simultaneously by two assessors to determine the reliability of ABMs included in the protocol. A subsample of ten dogs were assessed three times to assess test–retest reliability. All females were neutered against 36% of males. Most dogs were adults (58%) and of a large size (68%). Vaccine prophylaxis and parasitic prevention were regular in 13% and 76% of dogs, respectively. Few dogs showed lameness, evidence of pain, other clinical problems, or thermal discomfort. Overall, 82% of dogs did not show fear or aggression to unfamiliar people. The level of agreement between the two assessors was quite high, ranging from substantial (0.61–0.80) to perfect (1) for the majority of measures. This study highlighted some critical issues in TNR implementation and the suitability of the protocol as a tool for animal welfare assessment.

A pilot study on the impact of parenteral vaccination of free-roaming dogs within the rabies control framework in Ukraine

“…Nowadays due to many technical challenges, volunteers have tried integrating vaccination programs with sterilization initiatives (Borse et al, 2018). These combined programs usually involve sterilization, deworming, and simultaneous vaccination based on examples from other countries (Fitzpatrick et al, 2016;Berteselli et al, 2021;. However, the effectiveness of these campaigns is unclear due to a lack of national animal identification and monitoring the efficacy of rabies vaccination in Ukraine.…”