Three Things to Know
Similar to research conducted in the global north, dog owners in rural Sri Lanka reported experiencing stress reduction and mental satisfaction when interacting with their pet dogs.
Increased expenses and limited travel opportunities were some of the negative aspects associated with dog ownership.
The village dog was among the most popular pets, demonstrating the willingness of Sri Lankans to accept them as household pets rather than merely free-roaming street dogs.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
Benefits and drawbacks of dog ownership in rural Anuradhapura mirror those observed in Western contexts, such as companionship and increased expenses. Dog welfare professionals should play a vital role in educating potential dog owners about the full spectrum of responsibilities and considerations associated with dog ownership before they acquire a pet.
The Full Picture
Studies on the effects of pet dog ownership have often highlighted the benefits, such as companionship, increased physical activity, and improved mental health. However, most of this research has been concentrated in the global north, leaving a significant knowledge gap about the impact of dog ownership in the global south, particularly in rural areas.
This research, titled “In times of stress, it is good to be with them: experience of dog owners from a rural district of Sri Lanka”, seeks to fill this gap. By focusing on the experiences of dog owners in the rural district of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, the study aims to provide valuable insights into how dog ownership influences personal and family health in this specific context.
Study Methods
The study was conducted in Anuradhapura, a rural and agrarian district in Sri Lanka. The participants were dog owners aged between 40 and 65 years, who had been permanent residents of the district for at least five years and owned up to three dogs without any other pets for the past year. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Along with basic demographic information, the interviews focused on the experiences of dog owners and the effects of pet dogs on personal and family health.
Study Results
Most participants had only one pet dog and shared the responsibility of pet care with other family members. The pet dogs were more likely to be female (57.5%), with the most common breeds being village dogs (22.5%) and German Shepherds (22.5%). Village dogs, often found and adopted by chance, were typically seen as a cost-effective option compared to purchasing bred dogs. Participants shared stories of rescuing and caring for village dogs, emphasizing the ethical aspect of adopting stray animals. “It is better to take care of them (village dogs) than to buy dogs for money. It’s good for them (village dogs) too,” one participant noted. However, there were also challenges in keeping village dogs, as some participants noted that these dogs could be difficult to retain and manage.
Benefits of Dog Ownership
The experiences of dog owners were multifaceted. During the interviews, researchers observed that participants demonstrated a high level of attention towards their pet dogs and received a similar level of attention from their pets in return. Many participants expressed feelings of happiness and love when having their dogs around. One participant remarked, “I could wait without seeing my children, but I cannot wait without seeing them (pet dogs).” The sense of security from owning a dog was also frequently highlighted. For example, one participant mentioned that pet dogs are “good for security. Even if a snake enters, they bark.” In addition, stress reduction, mental satisfaction, as well as an increase in physical activities were highlighted by the participants.
In particular, pet dogs played a significant role in the lives of children in these households. Participants highlighted that a child’s preference was often a deciding factor in bringing a dog into the home. Dogs were seen as beneficial for children’s physical and mental well-being, and even reducing the time children spent on electronic devices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs provided a source of comfort and a means to reduce children’s isolation.
Drawbacks of Dog Ownership
However, some participants also pointed out negative aspects of pet ownership, such as the financial burden of caring for a pet, reduced ability to travel, and challenges in maintaining household cleanliness. Additionally, some participants noted that their social interactions with neighbors decreased due to their dog ownership.
Lastly, the participants shared their perspectives on pet ownership, highlighting it as a learning experience, an enjoyable occupation, a personal choice, and a responsibility. One participant remarked, “It is like taking care of a little child. It is harder than that. A child can be kept with someone while you are out. But they (pet dogs) cannot be.” Another participant emphasized the ethical considerations of pet care, stating, “There is no point in feeding them twice a day, tying them by a chain, caging them, and beating them when they urinate or poop.” These insights underscore the complexity and commitment involved in pet ownership.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2022
External Link:
Rathish, D., Rajapakse, J. & Weerakoon, K. “In times of stress, it is good to be with them”: experience of dog owners from a rural district of Sri Lanka. BMC Public Health 22, 2380 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14863-6