Mistreatment and Behavior of Pet Dogs: How Will a Zoopsychologist Help a Lawyer?

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Abstract

The analytical review formulates a scientific justification for the possibility of using indicators of the disturbing behavior of companion dogs as signs of abuse. Based on the analysis of publications presented in international databases (Elibrary, Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Academy and Scopus), approaches to the classification and interpretation of cruelty to companion dogs have been identified, on the basis of which an appropriate legislative framework has been developed. As a methodological basis that can be used in the Russian Federation, the concept of Five Freedoms and the concept of Five Domains are considered, which make it possible to analyze the contribution of various spheres of life (nutrition, health, environment) to the behavioral and psychological aspects of dog welfare. Behavioral signs are formulated that are indicators of a decrease in the level of well-being of dogs, and are available for detection by both veterinarians and specialists in other fields. These include, first of all, indicators of an increased level of anxiety. The presence of these signs can be regarded as a predictor of a decrease in the quality of life, manifestations of aggressive behavior, maladaptation, which will lead to the owner’s rejection of the animal, placement in a shelter or euthanasia.

General Information

Keywords: mistreatment, pet dogs, Five freedoms, Five domains, anxiety, behavior, quality of life

Journal rubric: Interdisciplinary Studies

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2024140314

Funding. The reported study was funded by Russian Science Foundation (RSF), project number 24-28-01561, https://rscf.ru/project/24-28-01561/

Received: 26.07.2024

Accepted:

For citation: Fomina A.S., Anisimov A.P., Volkov I.K., Burkova V.N., Krikunova A.A., Abakumova I.V., Ermakov A.M. Mistreatment and Behavior of Pet Dogs: How Will a Zoopsychologist Help a Lawyer? [Elektronnyi resurs]. Psikhologiya i pravo = Psychology and Law, 2024. Vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 174–195. DOI: 10.17759/psylaw.2024140314. (In Russ., аbstr. in Engl.)

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Information About the Authors

Anna S. Fomina, PhD in Biology, Don State Technical University, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4374-9244, e-mail: a_bogun@mail.ru

Alexey P. Anisimov, Doctor of Law, Professor, Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Public Law Disciplines, Don State Technical University, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3988-2066, e-mail: anisimovap@mail.ru

Igor K. Volkov, PhD in Law, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Law, Don State Technical University, Don State Technical University, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5265-3367, e-mail: igor.volkov@list.ru

Valentina N. Burkova, PhD in History, Senior Researcher, Center for Cross-Cultural Psychology and Human Ethology, Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lecturer in International Centre of Anthropology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4777-0224, e-mail: burkovav@gmail.com

Anastasia A. Krikunova, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Internship, Department of Veterinary Internship, Don State Technical University, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5475-5056, e-mail: akrikunova@donstu.ru

Irina V. Abakumova, Doctor of Psychology, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Pedagogy and Defectology, Don State Technical University, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2202-2588, e-mail: abakira@mail.ru

Alexey M. Ermakov, Doctor of Biology, Professor, Dean, Faculty of Bioengineering and Veterinary Medicine, Don State Technical University, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9834-3989, e-mail: amermakov@ya.ru

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