Knowledge of the welfare of nonhuman animals and prevalence of dog care practices in New Providence, The Bahamas

Abstract

Interviews with 509 adults in New Providence, The Bahamas, indicated that people have limited knowledge of dog care and the laws pertaining to nonhuman animal welfare. Interviews also indicated that many dogs received care limited only to food and water and--to a lesser extent--shelter. Potcakes (local mongrels) received the least health care; "breed" dogs, the most. Primary caregivers gave the impression that dogs were better cared for than did nonprimary caregivers. Although some educational messages must distinguish between those who do--and do not--live in dog-keeping households, others need not. For example, myths associated with neutering are more deeply entrenched in the general population than within members of dog-keeping households. However, all respondents had an inadequate knowledge of the law relating to dog care.