Year: 2015
Type: book-chapter
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Many consider that homeless people should not own dogs, since their health and welfare would not be adequate.Here we presented an online anonymous questionnaire to a group of veterinary surgeons, veterinary students and the general public asking questions regarding opinions on homeless people owning dogs.Respondents were asked to identify their role, if any, in the veterinary profession, their gender and whether they were a pet owner.They were asked to grade their expectations of the physical health, body condition score (bcs) and behavioural issues in dogs belonging to homeless people (dhl) compared with dogs belonging to those living in homes (dh).Participants were asked if they gave money to the homeless, if this was done 'on the street' or via charitable organizations, and if they showed any bias towards or against homeless dog owners.Respondents were asked if they believed homeless people should be able to own dogs.454 people replied to the questionnaire.61% expected the physical health of dhl to be lower than dh.Three respondents expected the health of dhl to be better than that of dh.65% of respondents expected dhl to have a slightly lower bcs score than that of dh while 23% expected them to have a far lower bcs. 2 respondents expected the bcs of dhl to be higher than that of dh.28% of respondents expected dhl to have slightly fewer behavioural issues than dh, 31% expected no difference and 28% expected dhl to have more behavior issues than dh.43% of respòndents did not give money to homeless people, 42% gave money through charitable organisations, 15% gave to people on the street 8% without a preference for dog owners while 7% gave preferentially to dog owners.One respondent actively avoided giving money to homeless people owning dogs.51% considered that homeless people lacked resources to adequately care for a pet dog.58% believed that dogs diverted money that could be better used.93% agreed that dogs give homeless people companionship and 84% that dogs would improve their mental health.The results of this study mirror attitudes held by many of the general public but differ from the results found in a study of the health and welfare of dhl.We hope that publishing both studies will improve attitudes towards dog ownership by homeless people.
Authors: David Williams, Sarah Hogg
Institution: University of Cambridge
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2974475847