Methods to accurately describe the pet overpopulation problem have been limited in their scope for the past 30 years. Although various studies have been conducted to estimate the magnitude of the problem at a local, state and national level, less than optimal methodology and response rates have hindered accurate estimates. Even less work has been conducted to study any of the exotic pet populations. The objectives of this research were 1) to determine to what extent humane organizations are receiving requests to take unwanted Vietnamese potbellied pigs and to determine whether owners of potbellied pigs are selling them for slaughter and 2) to characterize demographic and needs assessment information for animal care and control agencies in Ohio.
A standardized mail survey methodology was used to conduct the potbellied pig survey and the Ohio demographic and needs assessment survey. For the potbellied pig survey, 802 (68%) humane organizations and 787 (81%) slaughter plants responded to the survey. Of the humane organizations that responded, 479 (60%) stated they were willing to accept potbellied pigs. Humane organizations received 4,380 requests from owners to accept potbellied pigs during the study period and accepted 3,149 (72%) of these pigs. Six hundred fifteen (20%) of the potbellied pigs accepted were strays. Of the 437 humane organizations that provided reasons why owners relinquished their potbellied pigs, 255
(58%) reported larger than expected size, 148 (34%) reported zoning restrictions, and 82 (19%) reported aggression. Of 485 slaughter plants that normally slaughtered hogs, 255 (53%) had received requests to slaughter potbellied pigs. These plants slaughtered 2,640 and refused 1,407 potbellied pigs during the study period. In summary, problems with larger than expected size, zoning restrictions, and aggressive behavior caused owners of Vietnamese potbellied pigs to relinquish their pets to humane organizations and slaughter plants.
Of 222 agencies contacted for the Ohio survey, 180 (81%) responded. Agencies estimated that they spent $28.4 million ($2.47/person) for animal care and control. Approximately 339,207 animals were taken in, comprising 214,143 (63%) dogs, 114,877 (34%) cats, and 10,187 (3%) wildlife or other species. Of these animals, 25% were adopted, about 10% were reclaimed by their owners, and 65% were euthanatized. Approximately 302,589 animal control complaints were received, and 22,053 (7%) citations were issued. One hundred three (57%) agencies reported 25,564 cruelty complaints; criminal charges were filed for 543 (2%) cases, with 445 (82%) resulting in guilty verdicts. Among 155 agencies that provided information, 87 (56%) had spay/neuter policies. Only 69 of 178 (39%) agencies reported an association with a veterinarian. Less than half (64/150; 43%) of the agencies administered vaccinations, and 69 of 152 (45%) treated animals for intestinal parasites. The top 5 needs identified by agencies were capital/facility improvements, increased funding, improved legislation for animals, educational needs, and veterinary services. In Ohio in 1996, 9.9% of dogs and 4.5% of cats received care or assistance from animal care and control agencies.