Three Things to Know
In Anuradhapura, a rural Sri Lankan district, 41% of households own a dog, with most of these dogs either received as gifts (49%) or adopted as strays (37%).
Dogs are primarily fed home-cooked food or scraps, and it is extremely rare (7%) for them to sleep indoors.
Most households have taken their dogs to at least one veterinary visit within the past year, indicating a significant level of awareness regarding canine health.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
This study underscores distinct pet-keeping trends in rural South Asia, differing significantly from Western and urban South Asian practices.
Recognizing these cultural and economic realities is paramount for dog welfare professionals travelling to work in these regions. Respecting local practices, while acknowledging limitations like affordability and limited access to commercial dog food, is crucial.
The research confirms the demand for veterinary services in more rural areas, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable veterinary care in these communities. Moreover, the study highlights the high rate of street dog adoption, presenting an opportunity to manage community dog welfare through a rescue, rehabilitation, and rehome program for those injured or sick street dogs.
The Full Picture
Research on pet ownership and management practices in rural South Asia is limited. This study, titled “Household Preferences for Pet Keeping: Findings from a Rural District of Sri Lanka,” seeks to fill that gap by examining household preferences for pet keeping in Anuradhapura, a rural district in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura, a close-knit, agrarian district, is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is the largest district by surface area in the country, yet it has a much lower population density compared to urbanized districts, making it an ideal representative of rural regions in low- to middle-income Southern Asian countries.
Study Methods
This study investigated pet ownership in Anuradhapura using a community-based survey. Households across the district were surveyed to gather data from a representative sample of the population. The survey included questions about the types of pets owned, the reasons for owning them, and common practices for pet care and management. This approach provided a snapshot of pet ownership patterns and practices within the district at the time of the survey.
Study Results
The survey revealed that 57% of households in Anuradhapura owned a pet, with dogs present in 41% of all households. Dog ownership in this rural district exhibited several distinct characteristics. Most dog owners (77%) had only one dog. Nearly half of the owners (49%) received their dogs as gifts, 37% adopted strays, and only 13% purchased their dogs from pet stores. Unlike cats, which are primarily kept for companionship, the main reason for owning a dog was security (69%), highlighting a common trend in rural areas where dogs are valued for their protective roles.
Several factors were associated with dog ownership in Anuradhapura. Households with one or more adult females were more likely to own a pet, including dogs. Additionally, pet ownership was significantly lower among individuals who lived alone. These findings suggest that family structure and the presence of multiple caregivers play a crucial role in the decision to keep pets in rural households.
Difference to the Western World
Dog ownership practices in rural Sri Lanka differ significantly from those in the Western world. A large majority of participants (78%) fed their dogs home-cooked food, and 32% also fed their dogs scraps, with only 5% choosing commercial pet food. The living conditions for pets varied as well; most dogs (68%) and cats (52%) lived outdoors in non-specific areas. Additionally, 25% of dogs lived outdoors in designated areas, while only 7% lived indoors. This distribution reflects the rural setting where outdoor living spaces are more common for pets.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary care for dogs was relatively high, with 67% of dogs having at least one veterinary visit in the past year. Among these visits, 97% were for vaccinations, highlighting the emphasis on preventive health measures. Additionally, most dog owners reported vaccinating their pets against rabies within the last year, indicating a strong awareness of and adherence to vaccination practices.
Overall, the study highlights the unique aspects of pet ownership in a rural South Asian context. The findings provide valuable insights into the preferences and practices of pet-keeping households in Anuradhapura, contributing to a better understanding of pet management in similar settings.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Owned Dogs > Sri Lanka > Ownership Practices
Year of Publication:
2022
External Link:
Rathish D, Rajapakse J, Weerakoon K (2022) Household preferences for pet keeping: Findings from a rural district of Sri Lanka. PLoS ONE 17(11): e0277108. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277108