Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Welfare and on the Behavior of Puppies and Dogs in Ireland

What is it about?

There are many and varied factors which affect the development and appropriate socialisation of a puppy or dog, and these influence the animals behaviour into adulthood. The onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, which restricted people in how far they could move from their residence, and how they could interact with people. caused many people to consider acquiring a dog, without perhaps considering the implications or the commitments of dog ownership fully. These included the financial implications, exercise, family adjustments, training, and the impact an animal will have on family life. To investigate the effects of COVID-19, two online surveys were conducted, targeting veterinarians and behaviorists, to establish motivation and attitude to dog ownership and also to investigate behavioral issues being presented. Interviews were conducted with the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with Dog’s Trust and with three Italian shelters to investigate the welfare of dogs during COVID-19 restrictions. An Garda Síochana were contacted (the National Police Service of Ireland) with regard to dog theft and domestic abuse. This paper discusses how these factors may have impacted the behavior and welfare of puppies and dogs in Ireland .

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