Abstract
This research conducted on 900 dog-owning households randomly selected in urban Freetown investigated dog population and ecology, and how they relate with human populations, with regards to rabies. Pre-tested questionnaires designed according to World Health Organization standards were administered from Allen town in the east to Juba hills in the west. Area measurements using prescribed methods were done in the east, central and west of Freetown. Dog population was obtained by counting the number of dogs in the three clusters. Results obtained revealed an estimated total dog population of 13,246 with a ratio of 1:14 dogs to humans respectively., Life expectancy of dogs was 3-4 years, although some lived up to 7 years and above. More males were involved in dog rearing than females. Although 72% of dog owners are skilled income earners, however, 81% do not feed their dogs with canned food; hence 88% don't know the cost of feeding their dogs. Approximately, 44% of households allow their dogs to scavenge garbage dumps and to mix with other dogs. Most dogs (77%) are owned by parents, mainly for security purposes, but 59% do not monitor or register their dogs with veterinary clinics and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. Lack of care and attention accounted for 78% of dog mortality; hence dog owners need to pay closer attention in the management of their dogs to reduce the incidence of dog bites and rabies for a healthy co-existence with them.
Highlights
The relationship between man and dog Canis lupus familaris is multi-faceted dating as farback as 13000 years before the birth of Christ (Morey and Darcy, 2006)
This research conducted on 900 dog-owning households randomly selected in urban Freetown investigated dog population and ecology, and how they relate with human populations, with regards to rabies
The majority of dog owners 88 %( 796) do not know how much they spend on their dogs per week, 7% spend US$3.0 a week and 3% spend U$6.0 .Data regarding the methods of feeding dogs reveal that 626(70%) partly feed their dogs whilst 17% of dogs in turn complements the effort of their owner by scavenging
Summary
The relationship between man and dog Canis lupus familaris is multi-faceted dating as farback as 13000 years before the birth of Christ (Morey and Darcy, 2006). Dogs provided food and companionship, and later, dogs assisted with other human activities including hunting, herding and transportation. As stated by Boris .M. Levinson, (1969a), humans initially domesticated the dog to meet their own psychological needs, assist in Labour and provide food. Throughout history, the bond established between humans and dogs has elevated their position and contribution to society to include more service oriented functions including assisting the deaf and blind, detective work, search and rescue work (at sea and land), therapy dogs, war dogs and livestock guarding. Humans have manipulated the breeding lines of dogs for centuries to establish specific colors, sizes, and personality traits that have utilized for sporting events and exhibitions to demonstrate proficiency in agility, racing, and sledding. Domestic dogs have followed and continue to Science Journals Publication(ISSN:2276-8572)
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