Author : Yolonda F. Bradshaw
Publisher : Unknown
Release : 2021
ISBN : 0987650XXX
Language : En, Es, Fr & De
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Book Description :
Annually, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide—3.3 million are dogs. Upon intake, shelter personnel evaluate each dog to gain information regarding behavioral and health history. Previous owner's records or shelter personnel's visual perception of the dog generates a “breed label.” However, the U.S. shelter canine population predominately consists of dogs with an unknown history and breed heritage; thus, the created “breed label” is a subjective assessment of breed type. Several studies illustrate that majority of shelter dogs are composed of more than one breed and are mislabeled compared to identified breeds from their genetic analysis. Additionally, breed labels have negatively impacted adopters' decisions due to certain breeds' stereotypes and legislation. Breed labeling is a tool animal shelters can utilize to implement specific care strategies and tailored adoption matches for the dogs in their care. However, canines are multidimensional individuals whose behavior and appearance are influenced by numerous factors; therefore, whether a breed label accurately reflects a dog's genetic makeup may not be efficient for successfully matching potential adopters with a companion. By steadily increasing the number of successful adoptions out of the shelter, fewer animals may require euthanasia. The overarching objective of this research was to assess the impact of removing dog breed labels in a local animal shelter on overall dog adoption rate and length of availability (LOA) for adoption, in addition to dog breeds commonly restricted by breed legislation or currently under county restrictions in the state of Ohio. The second objective examined the impact of visitors' demographics, perceptions, and importance of potential companion's features on adoption decisions, contingent on breed label presence or absence. A third objective utilized dog behavioral observations during a visitor interaction to identify out-of-kennel shelter dog behaviors that may influence adoption outcome. Through the utilization of experimental and observational methodologies, a two-phase survey instrument was distributed (N = 217) at a municipal animal shelter in Columbus, Ohio over three 4-week periods (P1= control—breed labels on, P2 = treatment—breed labels removed, P3 = return-to-control—breed labels reimplemented). Dog breed labels were assigned through visual inspection by shelter personnel. They were visible to the public except for the treatment period's duration, where they remained undisclosed in the shelter system software. Furthermore, a random subpopulation of participants consented to the dog's behavioral observation (n = 38) during their interaction. A comprehensive out-of-kennel shelter dog ethogram was developed and employed to record and code dogs' behavior. Results concluded that breed label removal did not increase the overall dog adoption rate; however, after breed label reimplementation, there was a 7.9% decrease in adoption rate compared to the initial control period. Within each period, the "non-bully breed" group maintained a higher proportion of adoptions than the "bully breed" group. After breed-label reimplementation, dogs in the "bully breed" group remained available for adoption approximately two days longer than "bully breed" dogs in the previous study periods. Dogs in the "bully breed" group were available for adoption twice as long as dogs in the "non-bully breed" group in each study period. While subjective breed labels were removed, fewer visitors viewed dog breed as a determining factor for adoption. Shelter visitors often did not agree with breed assignments by shelter personnel, irrespective of breed label presence. Perceived and observed dog behaviors influenced adoption likelihood. While previous research has focused on factors that influence shelter dog adoption in part, the present study has offered a unique framework for exploring a more holistic approach to the multifaceted adoption process. The examination of factors that influence adopters' decisions before and after a shelter dog interaction by assessing adopters and nonadopters utilizing experimental and observational methodologies provides new insights into animal shelter research. Furthermore, it enhances our understanding of the shelter animal adoption process by identifying management recommendations that shelters could implement to increase shelter dog adoption success. These findings also have the potential to transcend beyond animal shelters and adopters, extending to property managers, policymakers, and the community at large.