Available online 18 September 2015
Abstract
According
to the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health
Organization, dog aggression is a major public health problem that
affects millions of people worldwide. The many consequences of this
problem involve physical and psychological trauma to victims, worker
disabilities, transmission of diseases, welfare problems for the
aggressive dogs and even their abandonment, euthanasia, or violent
death. The main objectives of this article were to review epidemiologic
considerations regarding the aggression of dogs; to compile perspectives
of people working within the field of applied ethology, governmental
workers, physicians, psychologists, veterinarians, animal control
officers, public health teachers, and dog trainers; as well as to assist
the development of technical materials, public policies, training, and
educational programs with emphasis on the prevention of dog aggression.
In different countries, there are different epidemiologic factors and
attitudes toward dog aggression, suggesting that scientific evidence and
cultural considerations need to be considered when establishing local
or global prevention standards for dog aggression. We conclude that
there are many unresolved issues surrounding companion animal
aggression, internationally. Further collaborative investigation is
required to improve canine aggression preventive programs.
Keywords
- aggression;
- dogs;
- preventive programs;
- public health
- Address
for reprint requests and correspondence: Gina Polo, Department of
Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health. University of São
Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87.
CEP 05508 270, Tel:
+55 11 3091 1393; Fax: +55 11 30917928.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
