Search

Simple Summary This paper describes the development of a tool to assess the welfare of dogs recruited in trap-neuter-release (TNR) programmes and the Italian situation involving the implementation of these programmes. The TNR approach has been proposed as an alternative to long-term sheltering to control the rising population of free-roaming dogs. The protocol was developed on the basis of a shelter quality protocol (SQP). The measures included in the protocol were integrated with other welfare indicators proposed in the scientific literature. Nine Italian regions out of 20 (all from central and southern Italy) prescribe by law the implementation of TNR programmes. A varied scenario and some critical issues related to the TNR approach for the management of the dog population emerged. The findings, although preliminary, suggest that the protocol could be a useful tool for the assessment of dog welfare. Abstract A descriptive analysis, inter-observer and test–retest reliability of the animal-based measures (ABMs) included in the protocol were performed. This study aimed at the development of a welfare assessment protocol for dogs recruited in the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programmes and the description of the implantation of these programmes in Italy. Nine Italian regions carried out TNR programmes. A varied scenario, along with some critical issues, emerged. Fifty dogs were recruited and assessed simultaneously by two assessors to determine the reliability of ABMs included in the protocol. A subsample of ten dogs were assessed three times to assess test–retest reliability. All females were neutered against 36% of males. Most dogs were adults (58%) and of a large size (68%). Vaccine prophylaxis and parasitic prevention were regular in 13% and 76% of dogs, respectively. Few dogs showed lameness, evidence of pain, other clinical problems, or thermal discomfort. Overall, 82% of dogs did not show fear or aggression to unfamiliar people. The level of agreement between the two assessors was quite high, ranging from substantial (0.61–0.80) to perfect (1) for the majority of measures. This study highlighted some critical issues in TNR implementation and the suitability of the protocol as a tool for animal welfare assessment.

Mapping the ‘data sources’ on animal diseases, in each European Union (EU) Member State and, since 2020, in Pre-accession countries, is one of the activities of EFSA's SIGMA11 EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), 2018. SIGMA – A comprehensive animal disease data collection approach. EFSA Supporting publication 2018:EN-1428. 7pp. Available online: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/supporting/pub/en-1428, 22 EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), Zancanaro G, Antoniou SE, Bedriova M, Boelaert F, Gonzales Rojas J, Monguidi M, Roberts H, Saxmose Nielsen S and Thulke H-H, 2019. Scientific report on the SIGMA Animal Disease Data Model: A comprehensive approach for the collection of standardised data on animal diseases. EFSA Journal 2019;17(1):5556, 60 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5556, 33 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/data-collection-animal-diseases project. The aim of this activity is to identify the central competent authorities responsible for managing the data on animal diseases and animal populations in these countries. At present, EFSA is focusing on three diseases that are currently under assessment at the request of the European Commission: African swine fever, avian influenza and lumpy skin disease; and on the corresponding affected animal populations: swine, poultry and bovines, respectively. This technical report presents the results of the implementation of the above activity for Romania and provides information on the authorities which constitute the data sources on animal diseases within the country. It also includes the ‘Country Card’, that depicts the central competent authorities responsible for the data on animal diseases (data on outbreaks, surveillance activities and laboratory results) and on animal populations (bovines, swine, poultry) in Romania. It has been generated based on the replies submitted by Romania via the EUSurvey questionnaire and on the clarifications provided subsequently. The National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority in Romania; the General Directorate for Official Controls - Service for the Identification and Registration of Animals; the General Directorate for Animal Health and Welfare - Service for Control of Diseases within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development are the central sources of data related to animal diseases and to animal populations in Romania. Within this authority, different divisions and departments are involved with different types of data.

Il presente manuale, redatto in collaborazione con il Ministero della Salute, segue la monografia dal titolo "Gestione dei canili Rifugio" pubblicata da Veterinaria Italiana nel 2014. I contenuti della monografia sono stati rivisitati grazie alla collaborazione di nuove istituzioni e aggiornati.