Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915

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    Strays, surrenders and foster care: examining New Zealand’s cat rescue landscape
    (Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, 2025-03-20) Roseveare C; Gates MC
    Aims: To describe the current capacity, resource limitations and challenges of cat and kitten rescue organisations (CKR) in New Zealand; to document the source and destination of the animals cared for; and to explore the role of foster programmes in cat rescue and rehoming in New Zealand. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was administered to companion animal rescue organisations in New Zealand in May 2022. For those engaged in CKR, the survey included questions about types and numbers of cats cared for, facilities, locations, origins and outcomes of cats in care, reasons for owner surrender, whether the CKR had a foster programme, and foster programme capacity. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and free-text comments were analysed for common themes. Results: Of the 64 organisations that indicated they cared for cats on the broader companion animal rescue survey, 50 (78%) completed the questions on CKR. At the time of the survey, these 50 organisations cared for an estimated total of 6,206 cats (median 39 (IQR 17–96) cats per CKR). The highest reported source of animals was strays (median of the CKR’s reported percentage: 72%; IQR 50–93%), followed by surrendered animals (median 14.5%; IQR 5–31%). The most common reasons for owners surrendering animals were unplanned litters, lack of pet-friendly accommodation, and inability to afford to care for the animal’s daily needs. An estimated median of 66% (IQR 60–80%) of cats under care in the previous year were subsequently rehomed. Most CKR were “usually” (26/50; 52%) or “always” (11/50; 22%) full to capacity. The majority of CKR that responded operated a fostering programme (40/50; 80%), with an estimated 59% (3,619/6,206) of all cats currently in the care of CKR located in foster homes. The availability of fosterers was identified by CKR as the most important factor affecting their ability to accept animals. Conclusions and clinical relevance: These findings highlight that CKR in New Zealand currently handle a large volume of animals each year. Initiatives that focus on preventing unplanned litters, ensuring owned free-roaming cats have permanent identification through microchipping, and initiatives to prevent unnecessary owner relinquishment may help to reduce the number of animals entering care. With the majority of CKR relying on foster programmes, there is a need for further research to better understand how these operate and whether there may be opportunities to expand their capacity.
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    Euthanasia of dogs and cats by veterinarians in New Zealand: protocols, procedures and experiences.
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2023-04-25) Gates MC; Kells NJ; Kongara K; Littlewood KE
    AIMS: To collect data on protocols used by New Zealand veterinarians to perform euthanasia of dogs and cats, and to explore opinions towards the training they received in euthanasia during veterinary school. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to all veterinarians registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. The survey asked respondents about their practices' policies for euthanasia; protocols for performing euthanasia of dogs and cats; opinions towards euthanasia training received in veterinary school; and subsequent experiences with euthanasia in practice. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and thematic analysis was performed on the free-text comments. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 361/1,448 (24.9%) veterinarians in companion or mixed animal practice. The mean numbers of dogs and cats euthanised each month were 7.2 (median 5; min 0; max 60) and 7.9 (median 5; min 0; max 60), respectively. Fewer than half of respondents reported that their clinic had a standard protocol for euthanising dogs (147/361; 40.7%) or cats (157/361; 43.5%). For euthanasia of dogs, 119/361 (32.9%) always used sedation while 71/361 (19.7%) indicated that they would not use sedation. For euthanasia of cats, 170/361 (47.1%) always used sedation while 53/361 (14.7%) indicated that they would not use sedation. Placement of IV catheters, methods for patient restraint, preferences towards the presence of owners during euthanasia, services provided with euthanasia, and discussions with owners were also highly variable and handled case-by-case depending on the client, patient, and clinical scenario. When asked about the euthanasia training received at veterinary school, it was generally ranked as below satisfactory, with approximately one-third of respondents indicating that they received no training in dealing with emotional clients (113/361; 31.3%), sedation protocols for euthanasia (107/361; 29.6%), or managing compassion fatigue (132/361; 36.6%). Most respondents (268/361; 74.2%) received no formal training in euthanasia after graduation and learned from experience or discussions with colleagues. Providing animals and owners with a good experience during the euthanasia process was highlighted as important for managing compassion fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Euthanasia is a common procedure in companion animal practice and there is considerable variation in how veterinarians approach both the technical and non-technical elements. Training provided during veterinary school was generally considered below satisfactory, particularly regarding managing compassion fatigue and clients' emotional needs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Providing veterinarians with additional training on adapting their euthanasia protocols to different clinical scenarios may improve the experience for patients, owners and veterinary staff.