Abstract
Although the rehoming of laboratory dogs has gained popularity, a scientific evaluation of the process is lacking. The behavior of 145 laboratory beagles was tested before leaving a research facility (Test 1). The new owners were then surveyed using a standardized telephone interview 1 week (n = 143) and 12 weeks (n = 126) after adoption. The behavior test was repeated with 68 dogs in their new homes 6 weeks after adoption (Test 2). The predictive power of Test 1 or Interview 1 on Test 2 or Interview 2, respectively, as well as the relevance of various factors was analyzed. We found no significant differences between Tests 1 and 2 regarding the behavior reactions. However, body language scores and heart rates changed significantly, indicating a more relaxed state of the dogs in their new homes. The interviews revealed a significant change toward desired behavior in most dogs within the 11 week period (p < 0.0001). The main behavior problems included separation problems (28%; n = 126), destroying objects (24%), and not being housebroken (39%). Owners of 9 dogs returned the animals, resulting in a rehoming success rate of 94%. Test 1 revealed a significant age effect (p = 0.0066), with younger and older dogs reaching higher scores than dogs who were approximately 2 years old. Dogs that had been born and reared in the research facility scored higher than dogs that had originally been acquired from a commercial breeder (p = 0.0257). The predictive power of Test 1 on Test 2 or Interview 1 on Interview 2 was moderate to low, respectively. Altogether, rehoming of laboratory dogs is a valuable alternative to euthanasia.
Highlights
Laboratory dogs are mainly used in pharmaceutical research (Joint Working Group on Refinement, 2004)
According to Carbone et al (2003) adoption programs constitute an important refinement in humane animal care and use
The highest correlation was found for contact and playing (r = 0.560). Considering only those dogs that were more than 2 years old during the first behavior test, we found a few additional correlations
Summary
Laboratory dogs are mainly used in pharmaceutical research (Joint Working Group on Refinement, 2004). They are the primary non-rodent species used in toxicological experiments (Smith et al, 2002). The public views the use of dogs in research with criticism. Euthanizing healthy laboratory dogs is not acceptable (Chanvin et al, 2012). The rehoming of laboratory dogs is gaining popularity. 26) states: “(...) animals such as dogs and cats should be allowed to be rehomed in families since there is a high level of public concern about the fate of such animals.”. According to Carbone et al (2003) adoption programs constitute an important refinement in humane animal care and use The European Directive 2010/63/ EU (EU, 2010; recital no. 26) states: “(...) animals such as dogs and cats should be allowed to be rehomed in families since there is a high level of public concern about the fate of such animals.” According to Carbone et al (2003) adoption programs constitute an important refinement in humane animal care and use
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