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Animal Behavior

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Unmasking the Shelter Dog
The suggestions that black dogs are frequently overlooked for adoption, or that animals given as gifts are more likely to be given up, are just a couple of many theories becoming increasingly entrenched in our language, and these are having a serious effect on the operation of many animal shelters. This article from the Journal for the American Veterinary Medical Association, notes that scientists are working hard to verify whether these ideas have any substance in fact or if they are simply myths. The central theme of the piece is that there are no "shelter dogs" or "shelter cats," but instead each animal in a shelter is an individual being that needs to be considered as a separate case. READ MORE

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Welfare Implications of the Role of Breed in Dog Bite Risk and Prevention
Dog attacks can cause serious injury or even death, and when these incidents occur the media tends to lay blame on particular breeds of dog. However, painting entire breeds with a broad brush based on specific incidents can have serious implications for dogs, and has led to the creation of breed-specific legislation that prohibits the keeping of certain companion animals. This study from the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that targeting certain breeds in order to prevent dog bites is not only inaccurate, but potentially dangerous. READ MORE

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Animal-Assisted Interventions in Children’s Hospitals: A Critical Review of the Literature
Animal Assisted Intervetions (AAIs), whereby cats, dogs, and other animals interact with patients and help them with their mental and physical healing through companionship, is becoming more common in hospitals. As the popularity of the therapy grows, researchers are keen to determine what, if any, empirical value the treatment has in helping patients heal. This study looks as the use of AAIs in children's hospitals, and finds generally positive results, but also notes that much more research needs to be done to draw stronger conclusions. READ MORE

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Rethinking Dog Breed Identification in Veterinary Practice
The visual identification of dog breeds is made more difficult when assessing mixed breed dogs. This paper examines whether it is useful for veterinarians to attempt to visually identify mixed breed dogs, especially as a means of predicting future health problems that may be associated with certain breeds. The study recommends that animal hospitals adopt a policy of not using visual identification, and instead explain to their clientele that only purebred or DNA tested dogs will be identified by breed, while others should be identified in different, non-breed specific ways. READ MORE

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Study on Activity Pattern and Incidence of Stereotypic Behavior in Captive Tigers
This study from India looks at the housing of captive tigers at Nandankanan Zoological Park. It sought to evaluate the tigers' welfare conditions by recording measurements of their stereotypical behaviors, such as pacing and repetitive circling. The researchers looked at how 19 captive tigers spent their time living in the zoo, specifically seeing when circling and pacing was most pronounced, and evaluating their findings. The study shows that, even in habitats which are considered "enriched" or made to seem more naturalistic, tigers still exhibit sterotypies that indicate they are living in poor welfare conditions. READ MORE
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September 10, 12pm-5pm ET

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