Journal Articles

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

Browse

Filters

2023 - 20253

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Gates MCSubject: search.filters.subject.companion animals

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Characteristics and challenges of companion animal rescue organisations in New Zealand.
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-05-08) Roseveare C; Gates MC
    AIMS: To describe the characteristics of companion animal rescue organisations (CARO) in New Zealand; to describe current capacity, resource limitations and challenges of CARO with a particular focus on cats and dogs; and to explore support for creating a national database of CARO in New Zealand. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to CARO in New Zealand in May 2022. The survey asked about organisational characteristics, types and numbers of animals cared for, services provided, policies, staffing, funding sources, challenges, and attitudes towards a national database for rescue organisations. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and free-text comments were analysed for common themes. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 106/208 (51%) known CARO distributed across the country. These CARO provided services to an estimated 59,874 homeless animals annually with 86/106 (81%) providing services to cats and/or dogs. Primary services provided by CARO who cared for cats or dogs included rehoming (72/86; 84%) and housing (70/86; 81%) animals. Intake was managed through a combination of strategies. Donations (72/86; 82%) were the main funding source. The 62 registered charities were more likely to report being funded by grants than the 23 non-charities (39/62 (63%) vs. 1/23 (4%); p < 0.001), and non-charities were more likely to self-fund (18/23 (78%) vs. 20/62 (32%); p < 0.001). Nearly half of the CARO that provided workforce information (35/72; 49%) had a workforce of 10 or fewer including volunteers. A total of 5,699 people worked for 86 CARO that care for cats or dogs of whom 4,847 (85%) were part-time volunteers. Of the 72 cat and dog CARO who provided workforce information, 57/72 (79%) relied solely on volunteers.The majority of all 106 CARO respondents (78/106; 73%) indicated they were likely to register on a national database of CARO, subject to addressing concerns about time required and information security.CARO respondents described challenges of insufficient funding, access to veterinary services, and a shortage of volunteers and foster homes, with additional concerns including a lack of public awareness, supportive legislation, and resources. Financial support (90/106; 85%) and policy change (76/106; 72%) were preferred support options. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant role played by CARO in New Zealand and the challenges they face, emphasising the need for financial support, legislation, and initiatives extending beyond the rescue sector to reduce the number of animals being surrendered. The findings also suggest a willingness among CARO to participate in a national database.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review.
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-06-21) Roseveare C; Breheny M; Mansvelt J; Murray L; Wilkie M; Gates MC; Tchounwou PB
    There is growing interest in the health-promoting potential of human-companion animal relationships from a broad public health perspective while acknowledging barriers to ownership, particularly for older adults. Companion animal fostering is an alternative to pet ownership that aligns with the Ottawa Charter health promotion principle that caring for others in everyday settings promotes health. This narrative review of the literature on companion animal fostering draws on Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-sided house), an indigenous model of health that is influential in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the Ottawa Charter. We found that companion animal fostering can be considered health-promoting for human and non-human animals, using a broad and multidimensional understanding of health. As well as improving the long-term outcomes for homeless animals, companion animal fostering has the potential to promote the health of the individuals, families, and communities who provide foster homes. Our review highlights the importance of health promoters considering the reciprocal relationship between human and animal health. Future research should explore different aspects of human and non-human health, perspectives of different types of fosterers in different settings and communities, barriers to fostering, and methods that explore the role of caring for a wider range of companion animals in creating and sustaining wellbeing.