Module 4 The Truth About Dogs and Cats

Module 4 The Truth About Dogs and Cats >>> Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Question 1
There are numerous domains or aspects of animal welfare. Which statement best describes the most appropriate indicators of welfare?
 
  • The naturalness of an animal’s existence is the most important; if an animal is not in a natural environment it will have poor welfare.

     

  • Health is the most important aspect of animal welfare; we can measure health by studying animal behaviour.

     

  • Considering a combination of animal nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental or affective state is important in getting an overall picture of welfare.

     

  • Nutrition, environment, health and behaviour are important but the affective mental state of an animal is unmeasurable and unimportant.

     

 
Question 2
True or False. Owning a pet has been linked to health benefits, reduction in stress and development of empathy.
 
  • True

     

  • False

     

 
Question 3
Which one of the following statements is FALSE?
 
  • The welfare needs of an animal are different depending on whether they are a pet, a stray or in a shelter.

     

  • It is important to consider both physical and mental aspects of animal welfare when deciding whether an animal is suffering.

     

  • The welfare challenges that an animal faces will be very different depending on the situation of the animal, e.g. whether it is stray, a pet or in a shelter.

     

 
Question 4
Read the following, and then consider the answer statements listed. For each answer option, decide if it is true or false. Mark all of the true statements and leave the false statements unmarked.
 
Which of the statements below describe welfare problems frequently seen in animals kept as pets?
 
  • Voluntary socialisation with their own species

     

  • Providing a choice of beds

     

  • Lack of choice

     

  • Lack of exercise and obesity

     

  • Boredom and frustration

     

  • Behavioural problems

     

  • Access to the outdoors

     

 
Question 5
True or False? 90% of animal owners consider their animal’s weight before deciding on their feeding regime.
 
  • True

     

  • False

     

 
Question 6
According to the PDSA survey, what percentage of dogs are left alone for 5 hours or more on a regular basis?
 
  • 3%

     

  • 100%

     

  • 25%

     

  • 66%

     

 
Question 7
True or False? Cats living indoors have poor welfare while cats given access to the outdoors have good welfare.
 
  • True

     

  • False

     

 
Question 8
Signs of behavioural problems in dogs, for example property destruction, are usually signs of what?
  • The dog is born with this behaviour and it cannot be altered.

     

  • The dog is settled and content.

     

  • The dog is experiencing stress and altering its behaviour in order to cope.

     

  • The dog does not like the colour of your furniture.

     

 
Question 9
Read the following, and then consider the answer statements listed. For each answer option, decide if it is true or false. Mark all of the true statements and leave the false statements unmarked.
 
Pet cats can suffer from a number of welfare issues, what are three frequent welfare concerns for pet cats?
  • Pet cats are often fed ad libitum which means they are likely to experience obesity.

     

  • Outdoor cats are forced to use their skills in hunting and stalking prey.

     

  • Pet cats exhibit normal behaviours such as scratching and spraying indoors, which causes problems for their owner and means they are more likely to be rehomed.

     

  • Pet cats are given very comfortable places to sleep.

     

  • Indoor cats are particularly susceptible to boredom and lack of adequate exercise.

     

 
Question 10
True or False. Pet cats are always more comfortable living in a large group of cats.
 
  • True

     

  • False

     

 
Question 11
Read the following, and then consider the answer statements listed. For each answer option, decide if it is true or false. Mark all of the true statements and leave the false statements unmarked.
 
Stray animals are at risk of very poor welfare. From the list below, identify the problems often associated with stray dogs living on the street.
 
  • Hunger and thirst

     

  • Illness, injuries and disease

     

  • Freedom of natural behaviour

     

  • Lack of veterinary treatment

     

  • Voluntary socialisation with their own species

     

  • Fighting over resources

     

  • Conflict with humans and inhumane culling methods

     

  • The ability to make choices

     

 
Question 12
Read the following, and then consider the answer statements listed. For each answer option, decide if it is true or false. Mark all of the true statements and leave the false statements unmarked.
 
Identify the problems associated with stray cats living on the streets.
 
  • High levels of disease as unvaccinated cats live in close proximately to one another.

     

  • Injury occurring as a result of fighting or by attacks from humans.

     

  • Inadequate nutrition and food.

     

  • High mortality, particularly in kittens, due to exposure to the elements and lack of shelter.

     

  • Freedom to make choices.

     

  • Expression of all natural behaviours.

     

  • Insufficient interaction with humans.

     

 
Question 13
Read the following, and then consider the answer statements listed. For each answer option, decide if it is true or false. Mark all of the true statements and leave the false statements unmarked.
 
No-kill shelters do not euthanise healthy animals under any circumstances. Which of these statements are true with regard to no-kill shelters?
 
  • No-kill shelters will always have more space and more equipment to ensure animals experience none of the welfare concerns associated with stray or pet animals.

     

  • No-kill shelters have more staff than shelters that operate a euthanasia policy.

     

  • No-kill shelters have a limited capacity and must turn animals away, while shelters that euthanise animals can take in all animals and euthanise those that are unlikely to be rehomed.

     

 
Question 14
Although well-meaning, there are often significant welfare challenges for animals housed in shelters. Which of the following statements best describes some of the most important welfare problems that animals face from being housed in these conditions?
  • Animals often suffer from improper housing, inadequate feeding regimes, poor health and the development of behavioural problems.

     

  • Animals prefer to be housed individually and do not suffer from solitary confinement.

     

  • Animals are free to make choices in their movement and diet, will socialise with their own species and exhibit all natural behaviours.

     

  • Animals will suffer from a lack of kindness from the shelter staff who have opened shelters in order to make money.