Pet Industry Association of Australia PIAA Dogs Lifetime Guarantee Policy On Dog Traceability & Rehoming Research, Analysis and Statistics Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 1 of 11
1 Scale of the Issue To respond to the claims of animal activists about the number of dogs from puppy farms sold through pet shops and later abandoned, it is important the PIAA has a credible statistical base to argue its policy case to industry stakeholders, the media and governments. 1.1 Annual Dog Sales Almost 450,000 dogs are sold in Australia each year, with pet retail stores the channel for less than one fifth of sales in total: Of these approximate 450,000 dogs sold in Australia each year 1 : Pet stores account for less than 15 per cent of total dog sales, about 67,500 dogs 2 Breeders, through newspaper, internet and word of mouth sales, are responsible for the remaining 85% of sales, about 382,500 dogs. 1.2 Unwanted Dogs Currently, there is a lack of consolidated data to define the volumes of dogs that are unwanted, re-homed or euthanased. There are five main collectors of unwanted or abandoned dogs. The most significant is Local Government pounds, followed by RSPCA shelters, then Animal Welfare League Shelters, and privately operated and volunteer shelters and Veterinary clinics accounting for very small volumes of dogs. To quantify numbers of unwanted dogs in Australia, including the number of dogs euthanased each year due to no room for adoption (that is excluding dogs euthanased for behavioural and/or medical reasons) the PIAA developed a statistical model based on known data. In saying this, the PIAA does recognise that medical and behavioural problems can be the reason why a dog is unwanted and this in turn can be directly related to the breeding of the animal in terms of their genetics and the degree of socialisation during the first eight (8) weeks of life. The most comprehensive data available comes from NSW. PIAA has used NSW Local Government and RSCPA data to develop the model. Animal Welfare League (AWL) data has been left out of the model because AWL data does not provide a breakdown on the fate of 1 Australian Companion Animal Council (2010). Contribution of the pet care industry to the Australian Economy 2 Australian Veterinary Association (2007). Sale of Pets through Pet Shops Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 2 of 11
unwanted dogs. The AWL in NSW takes possession of less than 3% of total dogs captured in the state each year. 3 (see Appendix 1). The PIAA acknowledges this is not a perfect data set, and applying extrapolations based on the situation in NSW to other states is not perfect. However, given the scale of the data set in NSW, and the commonality of practices for managing unwanted dogs across states and territories, the model is useful for an informed debate. 1.3 Quantifying the Scale of the Problem There is published data on the total number of dogs in each state. In NSW, we also have comprehensive data including: The total number of unwanted dogs The number of dogs rehomed Dogs euthanased due to no home being available Dogs euthanased for other reasons medical, health or behavioural TABLE ONE: PIAA Analysis of the Fate of Unwanted Dogs in NSW PIAA Analysis of Unwanted Dog Statistics - New South Wales Numbers of Unwanted Dogs 2008-2009 LGNSW Numbers as a Percentage of LGNSW Figures Numbers of Unwanted Dogs RSPCA 2009-2010 Numbers as a Percentage of RSPCA Figures NSW Total (LGNSW + RSPCA) Average % Rate (of total unwanted dogs) Rehomed 13270 22.84% 5397 24.12% 18667 23.19% Reclaimed 26158 45.02% 4947 22.11% 31105 38.65% Euthanased - Medical 2593 4.46% 2815 12.58% 5408 6.72% Euthanased - Behaviour 391 0.67% 4559 20.37% 4950 6.15% Euthanased - No room for adoption 14210 24.46% 413 1.85% 14623 18.17% Euthanased - Other 1499 6.70% 1499 1.86% Remainder (awaiting rehoming) Subtotals 58,106 22378 80484 TOTAL - UNWANTED DOGS NSW 80,484 TOTAL NSW DOG POPULATION 1,115,000 * TOTAL NUMBER OF DOGS UNWANTED 80,484 DOGS UNWANTED AS A % of TOTAL 7.22% RSPCA *(Note that a small percentage of dogs awaiting rehoming were not included in the final numbers). The final column in TABLE ONE shows the percentages of unwanted dogs that fall into each category based on an average of the NSW Local Government data and RSPCA data. 3 Animal Welfare League NSW (2010). AWL NSW Annual Report 2010 Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 3 of 11
This analysis yields two key ratios: Of the total dogs in NSW (1,115,000) 7.2% (80,484) become unwanted each year. We will apply this 7.2% ratio to the known dog populations in other states to determine a likely number of unwanted dogs in that state. Of the total unwanted dogs in NSW (80,484) 18.17% (14,623) are euthanased because there is no room for adoption. We will apply this 18.17% ratio to our calculations of unwanted dogs in other states to determine a likely number of dogs that are euthanased because there is no room for adoption in that state. The application of these key ratios to the total known dog populations in each state, as published by the Australian Companion Animal Council (2010) 4, has allowed PIAA to determine a national picture of unwanted dogs and dogs euthanased due to no room for adoption. PIAA ANALYSIS Dog Population of per State (as per ACAC figures, 2010) Total No. of Unwanted Dogs per State (using PIAA 7.22% ratio) Dogs lost as % of total dogs existing No of Dogs Per State Euthanised Due to No Room for Adoption (using PIAA 18.17% of unwanted dogs ratio) TOTAL DOGS EXISTING NSW/ACT 1,115,000 80,484 7.22% 14,624 QLD 732,300 52,860 7.22% 9,605 VIC 835,600 60,316 7.22% 10,959 SA 329,200 23,763 7.22% 4,318 TAS 96,800 6,987 7.22% 1,270 WA 296,100 21,373 7.22% 3,884 TOTALS - NATIONAL 3,405,000 245,783 44,659 Applying the PIAA model (as above), the national picture is as follows: The total number of unwanted dogs in Australia each year is 245,783, or 7.22% of the total dog population of 3,405,000 Of these unwanted dogs, the number euthanased each year nationally due to no room for adoption is 44,659 In calibrating the 7.22% ratio of unwanted dogs (as a % of total dog population) against other known data, PIAA notes a 2007 study quoted in the AVA report The Sale of Pets Through Pet Shops, that indicated less than 5% of owned dogs and cats ever require a shelter or services of a pound 5. 4 Australian Companion Animal Council (2010). Contribution of the pet care industry to the Australian Economy 5 Heady, B. (2007) Socially Responsible Pet Ownership in Australia: A Decade of Progress, National People and Pets Survey 2006 in Australian Veterinary Association (2007). Sale of Pets through Pet Shops Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 4 of 11
This gives confidence that the 7.22% ratio of unwanted dogs (of total dog population) is not under estimating the scale of the problem. It is worth noting our estimate that 44,659 dogs are euthanased each year because of no room for adoption is significantly smaller than the claims made by some activist groups 6 that hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanased each year. The PIAA does recognise that this is still a significant number of dogs and is keen to work with all appropriate authorities to continue to address the issue. In TABLE ONE we note that the disparity in the rehoming and euthanasia rates between Local Government and the RSPCA. There is a clear difference in purpose between a Council pound and an organisation dedicated to rehoming animals. While dedication to rehoming is evidenced by some councils, in the main council pounds are tasked primarily to deal with the problem of unwanted dogs, not housing them long term with a view to rehoming. What this analysis does show is the solid performance of the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League and services like Pet Rescue in rehoming animals. It should be acknowledged that a proportion of animals pass from Council pounds to dedicated animal rescue/rehoming services and do find a new home. While PIAA acknowledges there is some flow of dogs from local council pounds to animal shelters and the like, there is no hard data to define this leakage rate. Whatever leakage does occur may lead to some double counting of dogs in this analysis; that is, animals that we have counted as being unwanted in local pounds may have also ended up as unwanted in RSPCA data on their way to re-homing. If in future this double counting can be defined, it may slightly reduce our estimate of the size of the unwanted dog population. Our advice from the Australian Veterinary Association 7 is the majority of dogs euthanased in veterinary clinics are very old, sick or have behavioural problems. It would be rare for a dog to be euthansed because of lack of room for adoption. 6 DogsAcrossAustralia,com.au estimates 200,000 dogs are euthanased in Australia each year accessed February 2011: http://www.dogsacrossaustralia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89:the-pounddog&catid=68:pound-dog-story&itemid=113 7 Interview with Australian Veterinary Association (ADD NAME, DATE) Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 5 of 11
1.4 Pets Purchased in Retail Outlets The essential role of pet retail stores in responsible supply of animals to Australian families is evidenced by examination of microchip registrations data. In analysing this data the PIAA continues to express concern that mirochipping by pet shops is not compulsory in all Australian states, although it is for PIAA Member stores. There are also cases where dogs have been microchipped but the pet shop details are not entered onto the microchip database register. Statistics from the Central Animal Records Microchip Registrations 8 between 1989 and 2007, as quoted by the Australian Veterinary Association, show that animals purchased from pet shops are less likely to be lost or abandoned than animals microchipped elsewhere. In fact animals purchased from pet shops are half as likely to be lost than those microchipped at welfare centres: animals purchased from pet shops were less likely (7.64%) to be lost than animals microchipped at vets (9.74%) or welfare centres (15.81%) or other centres (15.25%). These statistics are evidence of the expertise of pet retail stores in matching pets with people. Professionally operated pet retail stores provide informed advice in matching pets with owners. Pet retail stores demonstrate a duty of care to both the pets and potential owners so the right animal is selected for the conditions in which a family lives. A pet selected following good advice from a pet shop is less likely to end up in a pound. 8 Cited in Australian Veterinary Association (2007). Sale of Pets through Pet Shops Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 6 of 11
2 Conclusions The PIAA has analysed existing available information and, by applying a series of assumptions to known data, has developed a statistical overview of the scale of the problem. The PIAA s analysis shows that the proportion of animals euthanased is much less than the figures claimed by some activists. (DogsAcrossAustralia.com claims 200,000 dogs are euthanased in Australia each year 9 ; Death Row Pets, claims 250,000 dogs and cats are euthanased each year). PIAA s analysis raises serious questions about the validity of activists estimates that up to 200,000 dogs are euthanased annually. Our best estimate is 45,000 dogs are euthanased each year because of no room for adoption. As mentioned previously this figure is still too high and needs to be addressed. Furthermore, PIAA research shows that in terms of animal supply, those purchased in pet shops are less likely to be lost or abandoned, further eroding the claims of activists that pet retailers contribute to the problem of unwanted pets and euthanasia of pets in shelters. The key outcomes of the PIAA research and modelling are: The true numbers of dogs euthanased in Australia each year is a fraction (16%) of that estimated by activists As a sales channel, pet retail stores account for only 15% of animal sales each year Animals that are purchased (and microchipped) from pet retail stores are 50% less likely to be lost or abandoned as pets microchipped at welfare centres or other centres In making these comments the PIAA does recognise that the dataset is incomplete but that it does provide a broad picture of the issues supporting responsible breeders and retailers who are PIAA Members. 9 http://www.dogsacrossaustralia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=49&itemid=94 Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 7 of 11
3 Implications This analysis has implications for policy-makers developing responses to the issues of euthanasia of unwanted dogs in Australia. While the PIAA modelling has shown the true numbers of pets euthanased due to no room for adoption is far lower than that claimed by activists, the issue with unwanted dogs must be managed nonetheless. PIAA believes that while pet stores are a minor part of the cause, they are a major potential player in the solution. Pet retail stores represent a professional and well managed resource for any policy response to the problem of unwanted pets. Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 8 of 11
4 Appendix 1 4.1 Unwanted Dogs New South Wales 4.1.1 Local Government Data Of the 58,106 dogs received by NSW Local Government pounds during 2008-09 financial year 10 : 26,158 (45.0%) were reclaimed 13,270 (22.8%) were rehomed 17,194 (29.6%) were euthanased Of the 17,194 dogs euthanased by NSW Council Pounds: 14210 dogs (82.6%) were euthanased as a result of there being no room for adoption 2,593 dogs (15.1%) were euthanased for medical reasons 391 dogs (2.3%) were euthanased for behavioural problems 4.1.2 RSPCA Data Of the 21,328 dogs received in NSW by the RSPCA during 2009-10 financial year 11 : 5,307 (24.9%) were reclaimed 5,298 (24.8%) were rehomed 8,361 (39.2) were euthanased Of the 8,361 dogs euthanased in NSW by the RSPCA: 242 (2.9%) were euthanased as a result of there being no room for adoption 2,627 (31.4%) were euthanased for medical reasons 4,365 (52.2%) were euthanased for behavioural problems 4.1.3 Animal Welfare League Of the 1,882 dogs received by the Animal Welfare League NSW during 2009-10 financial year 12 : 995 (52.9%) were rehomed 10 NSW Local Government Statistical Report (2009). Council Seizures of cats and dogs 2008-09. 11 RSPCA (2010). RSPCA Australia National Statistics 2009-2010 12 Animal Welfare League NSW (2010). AWL NSW Annual Report 2010 Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 9 of 11
4.2 Unwanted Dogs Queensland 4.2.1 Animal Welfare League Of the 5,810 dogs received by the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) during 2009-10 financial year 13 : 2555 (44.0%) were reclaimed 2585 (44.5%) were rehomed 590 (10.2%) were euthanased Of the 590 dogs euthanased by the AWLQ, approximately: 0 (0.0%) were euthanased as a result of there being no room for adoption 522 (9.0%) were euthanased for medical reasons 58 (1.0%) were euthanased for behavioural problems 4.3 Unwanted Dogs NATIONAL 4.3.1 RSPCA RSPCA reasons for euthanasia of dogs by each state and territory 14 DOGS ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA TOTAL TOTAL % Medical 47 2,627 104 2,197 609 111 1,442 71 7,208 35.72% reasons Behavioural 51 4,365 34 3,602 528 250 1,792 162 10,784 53.45% problems No room 0 242 2 165 2 1 0 0 410 2.03% for adoption Other 0 1,127 0 490 94 1 63 0 1,775 8.80% Total euthanased 98 8,361 138 6,454 1,233 363 3,297 233 20,177 13 Animal Welfare League Queensland (2010). AWLQ Statistics 2009/10 14 RSPCA (2010). RSPCA Australia National Statistics 2009-2010 Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 10 of 11
4.3.2 RSPCA National Of the 68,746 dogs received by the RSPCA during 2009-10 financial year 15 : 24,223 (35.2%) were reclaimed 19,007 (27.6%) were rehomed 20,177 (29.4%) were euthanased Of the 20,177 dogs euthanased by the RSPCA: 410 dogs (2.03%) were euthanased as a result of there being no room for adoption 7,208 dogs (35.7%) were euthanased for medical reasons 10,784 dogs (53.4%) were euthanased for behavioural problems 15 RSPCA (2010). RSPCA Australia National Statistics 2009-2010 Pet Traceability & Rehoming Policy Paper - PIAA 11 of 11