Key Findings
While both groups acknowledged the hardships faced by free-roaming animals, Indian respondents exhibited a stronger sense of communal responsibility for their care compared to Americans.
Americans expressed greater concern about the potential negative impacts of free-roaming dogs and cats, including disease spread, aggressive behavior, and property damage.
In contrast to Indians, who favored returning sociable animals to their habitats, Americans primarily advocated for adoption. Additionally, Americans were more inclined to euthanize non-sociable animals.
Summary
Dog and cat populations vary significantly globally, with differing rates of pet ownership, outdoor access, and indoor confinement. India boasts approximately 34% dog ownership and 20% cat ownership, compared to 45% and 26% respectively in the United States. Both nations grapple with substantial free-roaming populations. India estimates 62 million stray dogs and 9.1 million stray cats, with most residents reporting weekly sightings. The US, with roughly 1.3 million free-roaming dogs and 41 million cats, also faces this issue, particularly in the southern and western regions.
This study, titled “Public perceptions of free-roaming dogs and cats in India and the United States”, compares public perceptions of free-roaming dogs and cats in India and the US. It also examines public concerns about animal welfare, human health risks, public disturbances, and property damage caused by these animals. Additionally, the study investigates public attitudes towards caring for free-roaming animals, including the roles of individuals, nonprofits, and government agencies. It also explores the perceived role of veterinarians in providing essential care, such as vaccinations and sterilization, to these animals.
A cross-sectional survey of adults was conducted in India and the United States between August 2021 and February 2022. Data was collected in India through email, social media, and text messages, while in the United States, the survey was disseminated in English via social media platforms associated with Penn Vet and animal welfare organizations. Participants included both animal welfare professionals and the general public.
Survey Results
The study revealed stark contrasts in perceptions between Indian and American respondents regarding free-roaming animals. Indians were more likely to view these animals as integral community members and accepted their free roaming, while Americans generally held opposing views. Both groups expressed concern for the animals’ well-being, though Americans were more critical of dogs’ street lives.
Americans exhibited greater worry about disease transmission, aggressive behavior, environmental impact, and property damage linked to free-roaming animals. Despite India’s higher prevalence of rabies, Americans expressed more concern about disease spread. Wildlife impact was a primary concern for Americans but less so for Indians, possibly reflecting differing cultural values toward wildlife. These disparities suggest that cultural norms, public awareness, and resource availability for public health and safety significantly influence perceptions of free-roaming animals in both countries.
Indian and American respondents held significantly different views on responsibility for managing free-roaming animals. Indians were more likely to assign responsibility to local residents, animal caregivers, and government agencies for vaccination, sterilization, and care of injured animals. In contrast, 10% of Americans believed no one was responsible, compared to only 0.5% of Indians. These findings reflect broader cultural differences, with Indians demonstrating a stronger sense of collective responsibility and a more inclusive view of animals within society. Furthermore, Indians were more likely to have personally cared for injured animals, possibly due to greater exposure to free-roaming populations.
Both Indian and American respondents favored a “catch, spay/neuter, vaccinate” approach to managing free-roaming populations. However, their subsequent actions diverged. Americans leaned towards adoption for sociable animals, despite overcrowded shelters, while Indians preferred returning sterilized and vaccinated animals to their original territories, often within established colonies. While both groups strongly opposed euthanizing sociable animals, a notable 14.7% of Americans supported euthanasia for non-sociable individuals, a stance less prevalent among Indians. These contrasting approaches underscore the impact of cultural values, societal norms, and local circumstances on animal management practices. Effective population control strategies must be tailored to specific contexts and involve collaboration with local communities.
This study offers valuable insights into perceptions of free-roaming animals in India and the United States, but several limitations warrant consideration. The exclusive focus on these two countries limits the generalizability of findings due to potential regional variations. Reliance on self-reported data may have introduced biases. Additionally, the overrepresentation of female respondents and the high educational attainment of participants limit the representativeness of the sample population. Future research should expand to include a broader range of countries and demographics, employing rigorous sampling methods to ensure data reliability and generalizability.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Street Dogs / India / Community Perceptions
Year of Publication:
2024
External Link:
Sensharma, R., Reinhard, C. L., Powell, L., & Watson, B. (2024). Public perceptions of free-roaming dogs and cats in India and the United States. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 1–15.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2024.2374078