Work

The leashing behavior of dog owners in different types of natural areas

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Encouraging compliance with dog leashing regulations in natural areas is a priority for land managers seeking to protect wildlife. We surveyed residents of Victoria, Australia, to document self-reported leashing behavior by dog owners in different habitat types, exploring demographic, attitudinal, and belief variables as predictors of compliance. We found support for leashing regulations among dog owners (n = 313) and those without dogs (n = 711), but generally low reported compliance by owners. Social norms about leashing predicted leashing at all areas, and habits (i.e., leashing where leashing was not regulated) predicted compliance with regulations. Older age and beliefs about wildlife protection predicted compliance in water-based areas (e.g., beaches, wetlands) and beliefs that off-leash roaming is beneficial to dogs predicted compliance in other natural areas (e.g., hiking trails). Exploring these context-based differences allows managers to identify and understand target groups to design tailored messaging and other behavior change interventions.

Source: Human Dimensions of Wildlife

DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2022.2077482

Authors: Lily M. van Eeden, Andrew Geschke, Fern Hames, Zoe E. Squires, Michael A. Weston

Institutions: Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Monash University, RMIT University, Deakin University

Language: English

Topic: Human-Animal Interaction Studies

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: green

Funder: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, State Government of Victoria