Dog Demography, Ownership, Identification, Health, and Welfare in Musanze District, Rwanda

Abstract

Domestic dogs play vital roles in both rural and urban communities in Rwanda, serving as guards, herders, and increasingly as companions. However, limited data on dog demographics, ownership, health, and welfare hinder the design of effective management and rabies control strategies. This study aimed to generate comprehensive evidence based on the dog population in Musanze District, where socio-economic diversity and proximity to Volcanoes National Park (VNP) create unique One Health challenges. A cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative study was conducted in Musanze district using a stratified random sampling approach. Data were collected from 525 households using structured questionnaires for quantitative data and KIIs for the qualitative data. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were performed to characterise the dog demography, health status, ownership, and Identification and Registration (I&R). while Chi-square tests were performed to assess the associations between all independent variables with Dog registration, veterinary visit and Dog ownership. Variables with a p-value <0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the model of multivariate logistic regression to determine adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), complemented by thematic analysis of stakeholders’ perspectives on responsible dog ownership. The study resulted that 51.2% percent of the dog owners registering their dogs, 58.3% attended any veterinary visit, and 72.6% showed the dog ownership. Multivariate analysis revealed that dog registration, veterinary visits, and ownership were significantly influenced by residence, education, breed, and owner practices. Urban and peri-urban residents, as well as more educated owners, were more likely to register, visit veterinarians, and own dogs than rural or less educated individuals. Exotic and cross-breeds, vaccinated, and neutered dogs were more likely to receive veterinary care and be registered. Dogs kept for companionship or herding were more formally managed than hunting dogs. Overall, responsible ownership behaviours such as vaccination, veterinary consultation, and proper feeding were strongly linked with registration and dog ownership. Stakeholders highlighted major barriers, including inaccessible veterinary services, weak I&R systems, and low awareness, while proposing solutions such as education and subsidised services. The findings of the current study emphasise the urgent need for integrated strategies to improve vaccination and sterilisation coverage, promote responsible ownership, and introduce effective I&R systems. Such interventions are vital not only for animal welfare but also for rabies control and broader public health protection in Rwanda.