The views of the UK public towards routine neutering of dogs and cats

Wongsaengchan, C. and McKeegan, D. E.F. (2019) The views of the UK public towards routine neutering of dogs and cats. Animals, 9(4), 138. (doi: 10.3390/ani9040138) (PMID:30986979) (PMCID:PMC6523704)

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Abstract

Despite being routinely recommended by veterinarians, neutering of dogs and cats has both positive and negative impacts on animal welfare and is ethically problematic. We examined attitudes of a sample of the UK public towards routine neutering of dogs and cats using a questionnaire. Respondents indicated their level of agreement with statements describing welfare and ethical reasons ‘for’ and ‘against’ the neutering of male and female dogs and cats. We conducted a general linear model (GLM) analysis to investigate the effects of demographic factors on agreement scores. Respondents (n = 451) expressed views both supporting and opposing neutering. The predominant view (>80%) supported neutering, justified primarily by prevention of unwanted offspring and reproductive diseases. Around 10% of the respondents disagreed and felt that neutering should only be done for medical reasons. Men were less likely than women to support neutering (p < 0.001). Those with meat reduction diets were more likely to be against neutering (p < 0.05) and cat owners supported neutering more than non-cat owners (p < 0.05). Although the data reflected a wide range of ethical views, our findings show that the UK public generally supports the routine neutering of dogs and cats. This insight has implications for future policy-making and compliance with veterinary advice.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wongsaengchan, Chanakarn and McKeegan, Dr Dorothy
Authors: Wongsaengchan, C., and McKeegan, D. E.F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Animals
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:2076-2615
ISSN (Online):2076-2615
Published Online:02 April 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Authors
First Published:First published in Animals 9(4): 138
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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