Surrendered and Stray Dogs in Australia—Estimation of Numbers Entering Municipal Pounds, Shelters and Rescue Groups and Their Outcomes

Abstract

Simple SummaryAnalyses of comprehensive and accurate dog intake and outcome data in municipal pounds and shelters across states in Australia would provide an in-depth understanding of the surrendered and stray dog issue as well as facilitate effective evaluation of existing management strategies. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive and reliable data at the federal, state and local government levels across public and private agencies. In this study, we developed a methodology to estimate the annual numbers of dog admissions in Australia, and to describe their outcomes. In 2012–2013, there were an estimated 9.3 dog admissions per 1000 residents (211,655 dog admissions). Of these admissions, 4.4 per 1000 residents were reclaimed (101,037 reclaimed), 2.9 per 1000 residents were rehomed (66,443 rehomed) and 1.9 per 1000 residents were euthanized (43,900 euthanized). An ongoing standardized monitoring system would enable Australia to evaluate management strategies to reduce numbers of dogs admitted and euthanized, and to benchmark its unwanted dog management policies and performance against comparable countries.AbstractThere is no national system for monitoring numbers of dogs entering municipal council pounds and shelters in Australia, or their outcomes. This limits understanding of the surrendered and stray dog issue, and prevents the evaluation of management strategies. We aimed to estimate these in 2012–2013. Dog intake and outcome data were collected for municipal councils and animal welfare organizations using annual reports, publications, primary peer-reviewed journal articles, websites and direct correspondence. More comprehensive data were obtained for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory, whereas it was necessary to impute some or all data for Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania, as data were incomplete/unavailable. A refined methodology was developed to address the numerous limitations of the available data. An estimated national total of 211,655 dog admissions (9.3 admissions/1000 residents) occurred in 2012–2013. Of these admissions, the numbers where the dog was reclaimed, rehomed or euthanized were estimated as 4.4, 2.9 and 1.9/1000 residents, respectively. Differences in outcomes were evident between states, and between municipal councils, welfare organizations and rescue groups. This study emphasizes the need for an ongoing standardized monitoring system with appropriate data routinely collected from all municipal councils, animal welfare organizations and rescue groups in Australia. Such a system would only require data that are easily collected by all relevant organizations and could be implemented at relatively low cost. This could facilitate ongoing evaluation of the magnitude of the surrendered and stray dog problem, and allow assessment of strategies aiming to reduce numbers of admissions and euthanasia.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Dogs Admitted into Queensland RSPCA Shelters

“…Although it is often prohibited by municipal by-laws, some municipalities permit animal control officers to directly return stray dogs with identification to the owner, even if dog registration is not current [ 29 ]. This reduces stray admissions and is likely more cost effective for municipalities, given that some impounded dogs are not reclaimed because of cost [ 1 , 33 ]. Increasing the cost to municipal councils per dog managed by the RSPCA (and other animal welfare agencies with council contracts) may provide an incentive for municipalities to engage more proactively in increasing the number of dogs that can be returned directly to the owner.…”

“…The greatest overall number of dog admissions primarily occurred in large regional centers, and 12 of the top 20 postcodes all had admissions of ≥10 dogs/1000 residents, which is above the average for Australia (9.3 dogs/1000 residents) [ 1 ]. A 2010 Australian study [ 41 ] found a significant relationship between owner demographics and pet confinement, and household income and obedience training attendance.…”

“…Over 200,000 stray and surrendered dogs are admitted to animal welfare shelters and local government animal facilities in Australia annually (9.3 dog admissions per 1000 residents), and 20% are euthanized [ 1 ]. Approximately 38% of Australian households own a dog, and dogs constitute 36% of all animals received by the largest animal welfare organization in Australia, the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Response to Wolf et al.: Furthering Debate over the Suitability of Trap-Neuter-Return for Stray Cat Management

“…Rats, for example, are also valued human pets and, when socialised, appear to take pleasure in interactions with people [90], yet lethal control of rats is common practice. An outline of strategies to reduce stray dog populations and associated euthanasia in Australia highlighted desexing programs (low cost or free), encouragement of tagging and microchipping, and reduction of problems that contribute to surrender of owned dogs (e.g., boarding, feeding assistance, training, rental restrictions on pets)-all points that we advocate for cats-but not TNR [91]. Why should cats be treated differently?…”

Online Relinquishments of Dogs and Cats in Australia

“…(χ²(7) = 507.4, p < 0.0001) and the estimated total dog surrenders [2] (χ²(7) = 4345.2, p < 0.0001).…”