Dog welfare assessment

Spay-neuter programmes which are recognized as being an essential tool in the control of global dog population.

Based on findings and recommendations put forth in the Canine Welfare Grant report (2015), the smartphone app was one of the key recommendations, along with the development of educational resources. The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE) has developed a smartphone app and a range of educational resources. The smartphone app will enable dog handlers and veterinary medical staff to capture data on the various stages of the process. This will generate a scorecard which links to resources and guidance to improve animal welfare.

Spay-neuter programmes are recognized as being an essential tool in the control of global dog populations. However in any situation where a dog is experiencing capture, transport, surgery and release, there is the potential for significant welfare problems to arise. A Canine Welfare study has used a range of welfare indicators, from expert consensus and literature, to produce a simple welfare audit for use in canine spay-neuter programmes. Crucially, this study has also highlighted the requirement for training in dog behaviour of staff in these programmes. Currently there are misconceptions and confusion over the recognition of behavioural signs of key canine welfare indicators such as pain or fear, and the steps that may be taken to mitigate these negative states.