Social Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Free-Roaming Cats and Dogs in Portugal: An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Animal Welfare Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Free-roaming dogs and cats pose significant risks to biodiversity, public health, and animal welfare.
• Public attitudes towards these animals critically influence population dynamics and the effectiveness of management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess social perceptions and attitudes regarding free-roaming animals in Portugal.
• To identify public support for various management practices and responsible ownership behaviors.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to Portuguese residents aged 18+ with internet access.
• 1083 responses were collected and analyzed, focusing on responsible ownership, perceptions, attitudes, and management preferences for free-roaming dogs and cats.

Main Results:

• Identified a need for enhanced pet cat identification and reduced unsupervised outdoor access.
• Found strong public support for trap-neuter-release, sheltering, sanctions against abandonment, and educational campaigns.
• Indicated limited support for lethal control methods, with fear of culling and long-term caging deterring reporting.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight public preference for humane management of free-roaming animals in Portugal.
• Results provide actionable insights for policymakers to develop effective, community-supported animal management programs.
• Emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership education and improved identification measures.