85% of Kenyan dog owners dont know how to care for their dogs survey

A survey by World Animal Protection has revealed that a staggering 85% of Kenyan dog owners do not know how to provide basic care for their canines.

The report, seen by Citizen Digital on Tuesday, also stated that the owners are not aware of how to feed their dogs or provide them with basic housing and veterinary needs.

“In addition, majority do not know the importance of sterilization and how to deal with dog attacks,” read the report.

“According to the report, 73% of people surveyed said they will vaccinate their dogs and provide health care if the services are available.”

The survey, which was conducted in September 2018 within Nairobi and its environs, further found that 53% of dog owners allow their dogs to roam free especially at night as they believe it is natural behaviour for the canines.

“This survey points to a significant information gap among dog owners. Something that can only be bridged through active education programmes and aggressive campaigns by the county government and other stakeholders,” said Dr. Emily Mudoga, Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection.

“The biggest challenge will be to raise the level of need and importance to improve the situation for roaming dogs among the wider population and provision of public veterinary services for communities.”

The survey added that women are more likely to provide water, seek treatment and sterilize their dogs more than men.