The Welfare of Pig-Hunting Dogs in Australia

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The hunting of feral pigs utilising dogs is a common recreational activity in Australia. These dogs assist hunters to find, pursue, and restrain feral pigs. It is a legal activity in some states and territories of Australia while it is banned in others and is considered a controversial method of pest control. Scant information is available in the peer-reviewed literature regarding the welfare of dogs used in pig hunting. We conducted a review of the limited scientific literature on working dogs in order to determine the health and welfare risks that pig-hunting dogs might face. Possible risks identified include breeding surplus to requirements, the early retirement of dogs due to behavioural incompatibilities, use of punishment-based training techniques including electric shock collars, keeping dogs isolated in kennels or on tethers, exposure to numerous infectious diseases, high rates of traumatic injuries, poor transportation methods, high mortality during hunts, and suboptimal quality of life after retiring from hunting. There are also concerns about the welfare of the wild pigs being hunted by the dogs. We conclude that more research is required into the health and welfare of pig-hunting dogs. The humaneness of this method of pest control urgently requires further assessment. ABSTRACT: Hunting feral pigs using dogs is a popular recreational activity in Australia. Dogs are used to flush, chase, bail, and hold feral pigs, and their use for these activities is legal in some states and territories and illegal in others. However, there is little knowledge about the health and welfare of dogs owned specifically for the purpose of pig hunting. We conducted a review of the literature on working dogs in Australia and overseas to determine the likely welfare impacts confronting pig-hunting dogs. We identified numerous challenges facing pig-hunting dogs throughout their lives. Risks to welfare include overbreeding, wastage due to behavioural incompatibilities, the use of aversive training techniques including electronic shock collars, solitary kenneling and tethering, high exposure to infectious diseases including zoonotic diseases, inadequate vaccination and anthelmintic prophlyaxis, high incidence of traumatic and other injuries during hunts, climatic exposure during transportation, mortality during hunts, and a suboptimal quality of life after retirement. There are also significant welfare concerns for the wild pigs hunted in this manner. We conclude that research needs to be conducted in order to determine the current health and welfare of pig-hunting dogs, specifically in Australia. The humaneness of this method of pest control urgently requires further assessment.