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Environmental and social impacts of domestic dog waste in the UK: Investigating barriers to behavioural change in dog walkers
Abstract and Figures
This study sought to investigate the behaviour and attitudes of dog walkers to picking up and disposing of dog foul, with a specific focus on bagged dog waste. Two research methods were utilised. The first explores locational and social factors influencing dog walkers' behaviour in picking up and disposing of dog faeces. Dog waste audits were conducted on popular dog walking paths in Lancashire. Secondly, the results were used to deliver an online national dog walking survey. Results of the audits suggested that availability of bins, path morphology, visibility, and path location are key factors in determining the occurrence of dog faeces. In the survey a key factor influencing behaviour was the belief that clearing up after dogs is the 'right thing to do' and this was associated with an awareness of health risks. Dog walker typologies are also proposed heuristically, ranging from those dog walkers that are 'proud to pick up' who will pick up in any location, through those who make contextual judgements about where and when it could be permissible to leave dog waste, to the 'disengaged' who will not pick up even if they are aware of the health and environmental consequences. The study advocates active engagement of dog walkers in tackling this contested, potentially environmentally damaging issue.
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... According to the results of the PRISMA, although most of the related studies ex plored both the pros and cons of dog parks and their design/management strategies, 9 ou of 26 studies [26,44,53,55,60,62,71,74] developed strategies in response to the pros and con of dog parks. Sixty-seven percent of these studies focused on hygiene issues, including dog waste, and solutions in dog parks [44,53,55,62,71,74]. ...
... According to the results of the PRISMA, although most of the related studies ex plored both the pros and cons of dog parks and their design/management strategies, 9 ou of 26 studies [26,44,53,55,60,62,71,74] developed strategies in response to the pros and con of dog parks. Sixty-seven percent of these studies focused on hygiene issues, including dog waste, and solutions in dog parks [44,53,55,62,71,74]. Other studies, while discussing the pros and cons of dog parks and the associated importance of considering the benefit and conflicts for the construction and management of a dog park, did not explicitly dis cuss design and/or management strategies in terms of the benefits and conflicts brough by dog parks. ...
... According to the results of the PRISMA, although most of the related studies explored both the pros and cons of dog parks and their design/management strategies, 9 out of 26 studies [26,44,53,55,60,62,71,74] developed strategies in response to the pros and cons of dog parks. Sixty-seven percent of these studies focused on hygiene issues, including dog waste, and solutions in dog parks [44,53,55,62,71,74]. ...
Dog ownership and dog walking brings various health benefits for urban dwellers, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, but trigger a number of controversies. Dog parks have become increasingly significant public resources in the pandemic to support these benefits while facing intense conflicts. To develop effective dog parks in urban settings, growing numbers of scholars have provided insights into the design and management strategies for addressing the benefits and conflicts. The objective of this study is to synthesize and analyze various aspects of dog park design and management and to assess identified strategies for enhancing their benefits while mitigating their drawbacks. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic study was conducted to synthesize the benefits, conflicts, and management strategies of dog parks, supported by Citespace. Benefits and conflicts in dog park design and management have been synthesized and organized according to their frequency of presence and the statistical results. We analyzed and assessed existing design and management strategies. Through this systematic study, we discovered the need obtain o po experimental evidence on effective dog park design and management to enhance their benefits while mitigating their sources of conflict and limitations in the intensity of park visitors’ physical activity in off-leash areas. Guidelines for the design and management strategies for effective dog parks were made to enhance their benefits while alleviating conflicts in the future development of sustainable dog parks that promote healthy relationships between canines and residents in urban built environments.
... Another method that may encourage greater leashing of dogs around cattle may relate to strategies that encourage compliance with social norms or prosocial behaviour. Compliance with social norms can encourage owners to follow social guidelines (clean up their dog's faeces: Lowe et al., 2014; keep dogs on their leads: Williams et al., 2009). Giving visitors the impression that most dog owners keep their dogs on leads when visiting national parks (and especially when walking near cattle), and that doing so is an important aspect of responsible pet ownership may be of value (Oxley et al., 2017). ...
... This might be due to the increased awareness of their dogs defecating if they are on leash, or because of decreased sense of being observed by other park users when their dogs are unleashed (i.e. defecating dog is not in immediate proximity of its owner, a likely occurrence in off-leash park) thus feeling less social pressure to clean up after their dogs; a known factor contributing to fecal contamination 43 . Particular concern for park users may be that more dog feces were found near parking lots, leading to more exposure to people and dogs. ...
Contamination of public parks by dogs is a potential source of conflict among park users, causing “tragedy of the commons” problems. Besides the social conflict, feces can pose serious health risks to both dogs and humans. In this study we analyzed the extent and patterns of the distribution of dog feces in the urban parks of the City of Calgary. We collected dog feces from randomly selected locations in the urban parks. The average density of dog feces by the different dog leash policies of the parks and the distribution pattern of the fecal density within the parks were assessed, and the total contamination of the public parks for the entire city was estimated. We found off-leash parks to be significantly more contaminated than other types of parks. We estimated 127.23 g/ha of dog feces are left unpicked in city parks in total every week. Dog feces were found more often and in greater amount in off-leash parks, and near park entrances and parking lots, than in on-leash parks and away from the park entrances. These results suggest that public park visitors, especially those visiting off-leash parks, are likely to be exposed to large amounts of dog feces. Designation of parks as on-leash and educating dog-owners may be an effective approach for reducing the fecal contamination.
... This might be due to the increased awareness of their dogs defecating if they are on leash, or because of decreased sense of being observed by other park users when their dogs are unleashed (i.e. defecating dog is not in immediate proximity of its owner, a likely occurrence in off-leash park) thus feeling less social pressure to clean up after their dogs; a known factor contributing to fecal contamination [37]. Particular concern for park users may be that more dog feces were found near parking lots, leading to more exposure to people and dogs. ...
Contamination of public parks by dogs is a potential source of conflict among park users, causing “tragedy of commons” problems. Besides the social conflict, feces can pose serious health risks to both dogs and humans. In this study we analyzed the extent and patterns of the distribution of dog feces in the urban parks of the City of Calgary.
We collected dog feces from randomly selected locations in the urban parks. The average density of dog feces by the different dog leash policies of the parks and the distribution pattern of the fecal density within the parks were assessed, and the total contamination of the public parks for the entire city was estimated. We found off-leash parks to be significantly more contaminated than other types of parks. We estimated 127.23 g / ha of dog feces are left unpicked in city parks in total every week. Dog feces were found more often and in greater amount in off-leash parks, and near park entrances and parking lots, than in on-leash parks and away from the park entrances.
These results suggest that public park visitors, especially those visiting off-leash parks, are likely to be exposed to large amounts of dog feces. Designation of parks as on-leash and educating dog-owners may be an effective approach for reducing the fecal contamination.
... At the same time, dogs can cause fear and health risks to humans, including the transmission of diseases or pathogenic infections (Acosta-Jamett et al., 2010;De Keuster et al., 2006;Vertalka et al., 2018). Moreover, dog faeces are usually associated with reduced aesthetics of urban streetscapes and greenspaces (Cinquepalmi et al., 2013;Lowe et al., 2014). ...
Dog walking is a highly popular leisure activity in cities around the globe. It is also a controversial issue for urban conservation and green space management due to presumed ecological impacts of dogs. Yet regulations allowing or prohibiting the presence of dogs in areas of conservation concern are rarely based on demonstrated effects of
dogs on urban nature. To unravel the relationships between the presence of dogs at a site and soil features and plant and animal diversity, we selected dry grassland as our study system since this type of ecosystem is of conservation concern in many cities and is frequently used for dog walking. We combined data on the number and movement patterns of dogs and their owners in 52 dry grassland patches in Berlin, Germany, to create a novel index of dog presence and activity. We then analysed the relationship between the index and soil features, species richness of plants and seven invertebrate taxa, and abundances of sand lizards, a species of particular conservation interest. Generalised linear models revealed significant relationships between the dog index and one soil parameter and some biodiversity measures. The dog index was positively related to phosphorus and nonnative plant richness but negatively to spider diversity. While dogs may facilitate biological invasions, likely through a combination of eutrophication and disturbance, overall relationships with general species richness or richness of endangered plant or animal species were weak. These results indicate opportunities for reconciling
urban nature conservation with moderate dog walking in urban grassland areas. Still, urban policies should consider remaining dog-related risks in other ecosystem types - a promising direction for further urban research.
... Additionally, such fungi are continuously providing the ecosystem service of ridding the antroposphere from an, ever increasing, global amount of pet excrement. The increasing amounts of pet dung accumulated in urban situations is now regarded to represent a relevant environmental problem [34] and a significant health issue [35]. Studying such fungi necessarily starts with their identification and, when needed, naming and describing new fungal taxa. ...
The repeated observation of dog dung covered by abundant white cottony mycelium in a private garden in the city of Rio de Janeiro, state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) prompted an investigation to clarify the identity of the fungus involved. Three different species of mucoralean fungi (together with some ascomycete asexual morphs) were present. Two were identified as belonging to Mycotypha sp. and Thamnostylum sp., and the third belonged to Mucor sp. This publication deals with the full taxonomic elucidation of the latter. Based on morphological, physiological, and molecular data (ITS and LSU rDNA regions), it was recognized that this Mucor differed from all other species. It produces strongly sympodially circinate branched sporangiophores (some with up to four septa) with numerous swellings resembling abortive sporangia. It also has cylindrical, obovoid, pyriform, or ovoid columellae and its sporangiospores are mostly ellipsoid, although some are subglobose and others are irregular. Based on the evidence of the analyzed datasets, the new species Mucor merdophylus is hereby proposed.
Of the 6000 earthworm species, most can be subdivided into litter (compost) dwelling species or soil-dwelling species. Litter-dwelling species are small, easily cultivated and of enormous use in processing organic materials, simultaneously producing a potential horticultural product (worm-worked material or vermicompost) and producing more earthworms. The latter are themselves a potential product for protein production (animal or human feed). Soil-dwelling earthworms require more careful culture, but their use in soil improvement schemes, enhancing selected agricultural systems and ecotoxicological monitoring is now recognized and is becoming more widely established. Laboratory-based culture has been up-scaled and future practice will undoubtedly have a direct role in key areas of world food production and soil rehabilitation. Collectively, these seemingly insignificant animals can make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable human development.
The increasing growth of modern renewables in countries with significant seasonal variations leads to a growing amount of excessive energy generated in peak seasons. This combined with the shortage of renewable energy in off‐peak periods, creates an emerging need for seasonal energy storages. Best is a town located south in the Netherlands. Heating with natural gas in the cold season is the major energy consuming function in the residential sector, in Best. In this paper, we investigate storage technologies that have the potential to replace natural gas as a source of heating in Best. We observe and analyze Best and investigate storage technologies to uncover key considerations. We create conceptual models of three suitable storage technologies. We use these models to compare the storage technologies and enable discussion around the key considerations. The conceptual models provide insight and understanding of the technologies and the considerations. The comparison points to power‐to‐gas (PtG), with the production of methane and supply of electricity to heat pumps, as the most suitable technology for Best.
Purpose
This paper argues that this animal surveillance has the potential for considerable function creep going far outside the scheme's original objectives and acts as a conduit for more problematic surveillance of humans. This results in social sorting of people with subsequent unforeseen consequences leading to discrimination and curtailment of freedoms for both animals and their owners. Ultimately this opens people up to further intrusive targeting by commercial interests and, more alarmingly, scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study examining an initiative involving the collection of canine DNA sources data from publicly available Cabinet, Select Committee and Scrutiny Committee records from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD). It also draws on news media sources, publicity material from the company running the scheme and from this and other local authorities. Methods include analysis of documents, semiotic and discourse analysis.
Findings
This paper highlights the importance of animals to surveillance studies and examines the extent to which animals are a part of the surveillant assemblage in their own right. It also demonstrates how nonhuman animals extend the reach of the surveillant assemblage.
Social implications
The scheme was called a badge of considerate dog ownership, yet it is one that can be franchised to tie up with diverse income streams being described as advantageous in the age of austerity. In 2017, it was reported that this scheme was to be rolled out in other areas and was moving from being voluntary to being mandatory with the enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). These have been described as “geographically defined ASBOS” that have come into force under the Anti-social Behaviour and Policing Act (2014); they often work to criminalise activities that were not previously considered illegal.
Originality/value
In the theorising of surveillance, animals have been largely overlooked. Epidemiological studies proliferate, yet the role of animals in many aspects of everyday surveillance has been neglected.
Numerous theoretical frameworks have been developed to explain the gap between the possession of environmental knowledge and environmental awareness, and displaying pro-environmental behavior. Although many hundreds of studies have been undertaken, no definitive explanation has yet been found. Our article describes a few of the most influential and commonly used analytical frameworks: early US linear progression models; altruism, empathy and prosocial behavior models; and finally, sociological models. All of the models we discuss (and many of the ones we do not such as economic models, psychological models that look at behavior in general, social marketing models and that have become known as deliberative and inclusionary processes or procedures (DIPS)) have some validity in certain circumstances. This indicates that the question of what shapes pro-environmental behavior is such a complex one that it cannot be visualized through one single framework or diagram. We then analyze the factors that have been found to have some influence, positive or negative, on pro-environmental behavior such as demographic factors, external factors (e.g. institutional, economic, social and cultural) and internal factors (e.g. motivation, pro-environmental knowledge, awareness, values, attitudes, emotion, locus of control, responsibilities and priorities). Although we point out that developing a model that tries to incorporate all factors might neither be feasible nor useful, we feel that it can help illuminate this complex field. Accordingly, we propose our own model based on the work of Fliegenschnee and Schelakovsky (1998) who were influenced by Fietkau and Kessel (1981).
The goal of the present paper is a replication as well as an extension of the Hines et al. [(1986/87). Analysis and synthesis of research on responsible environmental behaviour: A meta-analysis. Journal of Environmental Education, 18, 1–8] meta-analysis on psycho-social determinants of pro-environmental behaviour. Based on information from a total of 57 samples the present meta-analysis finds mean correlations between psycho-social variables and pro-environmental behaviour similar to those reported by Hines et al. In a second step, the matrix of pooled correlations is used for a structural equation modelling (SEM) test of theoretically postulated structural relations between eight determinants of pro-environmental behaviour (so-called Meta-analytic SEM (MASEM)). MASEM results confirm that pro-environmental behavioural intention mediate the impact of all other psycho-social variables on pro-environmental behaviour (27% explained variance). Results also confirm that besides attitude and behavioural control personal moral norm is a third predictor of pro-environmental behavioural intention (52% explained variance). The MASEM also indicates that problem awareness is an important but indirect determinant of pro-environmental intention. Its impact seems to be mediated by moral and social norms, guilt and attribution processes.
This study explored what factors influence owners' reactions to their dogs'fouling in a bid to identify the demographic profile of the “typical” dog fouler. The behavior of 400 dog walkers was observed in eight public parks in Northern Ireland. Information was collected on the walkers' gender, age, socioeconomic status, use of leash, and reaction to their dogs' fouling. A weak majority (53.5%) of owners cleaned up their dogs'feces. All of the independent variables, except age, influenced owners' reactions to their pets' fouling. Fewer males (35.3%), those with a lower income (18.2%), and owners who allowed their dogs off the leash (26.2%) cleaned up their dogs'feces than females (58.2%), those with higher earnings (68.7%), and those who kept their pets on a leash (72.6%). Findings have implications for the design of antifouling campaigns, highlighting what sectors of the population need to be targeted by educational programs.
Five major British daily newspapers (4 broadsheets and 1 tabloid) and their related Sunday editions were monitored over a 5-year period (1988 to 1992 inclusive) to locate articles on dog attacks on humans. From 1989 to 1991 (inclusive) there was intense media interest in dog attacks whereas in 1988 and 1992 there was little. In 1989 and 1990, German Shepherds and Rottweilers were most often reported as the attacking dog but the Rottweiler suffered disproportionate negative publicity. Breed registration figures reflected the media interest with a dramatic drop in Rottweiler numbers. In 1991, the American Pit Bull Terrier was most often in the news and the government hastily introduced new dog legislation, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It is suggested that the media, public, and government response is an overreaction to the generally held ideal that the dog's position in society is as a loyal and faithful companion. The dog's position in society therefore appears to be inherently unstable. With real or even perceived increases in unacceptable behavior by these animals, the species, or at the very least certain breeds of dog, could rapidly lose public favor and acceptance.
This study combines observational, attitudinal, and self-report measures, and compares a group of irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to foul with a control group of responsible owners who clean up after their dogs. The owners are compared on a variety of attitudinal and personal orientation measures. We observed 101 instances of dog fouling in both park and pavement, and 87 respondents subsequently returned questionnaires. The majority (59%) of people observed cleaned up after their dogs. The irresponsible owners were significantly more tolerant of fouling (dog feces were seen as natural waste and biodegradable) and were more likely to agree that the laws were illegitimate and restrictive.
This paper describes how often pet dogs interact with other dogs, people and the environment, whilst being walked. Such interactions may involve aggression or the transmission of infectious disease. We also assessed the effect of the use of a leash as a modifier of these outcomes. In study one, the behaviour of pet dogs being walked in popular public walking areas was observed (286 observations). Interactions with people were much rarer than interactions with dogs. Multivariable modelling suggested that percentage duration spent sniffing the ground was associated with the UK Kennel Club Breed Type, and whether the dog was observed urinating. Gundogs were observed to sniff more than other breed types. In study two, dogs (n = 10) were filmed twice walking along a pre-defined route, alternately once on leash and once off leash, in order to assess the effects of leash use on interactions between the subject dog and any other dog or person encountered. Multilevel modelling suggested that if either dog was on the leash, then the likelihood of an interaction with a dog occurring was reduced. There was no evidence for statistical interactions between these variables, therefore the effect of the leash on one dog did not seem to be influenced by whether the other dog was on or off leash. We conclude that in circumstances where interactions need to be prevented, such as to reduce spread of infectious diseases during an outbreak, both dogs should be leashed.
To undertake a systematic review of articles on the prevention of dog fouling.
Systematic review.
Literature searches were conducted using six major electronic databases. Published and unpublished material was considered, with no restrictions on date or language. A total of 47 other databases and websites were interrogated. Articles were hand searched for references that had not been identified in the electronic search. Only controlled trials or observational studies assessing the impact of any intervention on the prevention of dog fouling were liable for inclusion in the systematic review.
The search identified a total of 68 articles, none of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
The review did not find any good-quality studies which have looked at interventions to prevent dog fouling. According to the Cochrane Collaboration, reviews that are unable to find any relevant studies are particularly useful because they highlight important gaps in our knowledge. It is recommended that research is commissioned to answer the important question of what interventions actually work to prevent dog fouling. Methods for performing this research are suggested.
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are important causes of reproductive loss in ruminant species worldwide. Both parasites cause disease during pregnancy that may result in foetal death or birth of live congenitally infected offspring. T. gondii is also an important human pathogen with the main risk groups including pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals, although clinical disease has also been observed in outbreaks among immuno-competent people. While the two parasites are closely related there are distinct differences between the two in their interactions with different host species and subsequent clinical outcome. This paper discusses the respective host-parasite relationships in ovine toxoplasmosis and bovine neosporosis and how the immune response may be host-protective, parasite-protective or contribute to disease pathogenesis, and how this knowledge may help in the development of more effective and targeted vaccination strategies.