Impact of Domestic Dogs

Free-ranging domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) pose a serious ecological risk to wildlife by transmitting diseases, hybridizing with wild canine species, diminishing populations of native prey species and competing with native predators. ​With an estimated domestic dog global population exceeding 700 million, they are one of the most invasive species and have negatively impacted native wildlife.
​The economic cost associated with damages to agriculture, forestry and the environment from the introduction of the domestic dogs is over $620 million annually and the second leading predator caused economic loss for ranchers, accounting for 9.9% of cattle and calf deaths. ​Feral dogs are more common around poverty-stricken areas, which can exacerbate economic and social issues.

Pine Ridge Canines

The ​Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, encompasses a 2,094 mi² (3370 km2) area, with a population size of approximately 14,353 people, and a poverty rate exceeding 40% (US Census Bureau 2017). Within the Reservation there is one veterinary clinic, but for many tribal citizens the cost of traveling and veterinary care (spay/neutering) make it inaccessible 

Reservation Dogs: research efficient, effective, and ethical dog population control

To address the issue of management of rez dogs on the Pine Ridge Reservation,
​we first need to establish the scope of the problem! 

WHAT ARE
​REZ DOGS?

Rez dogs are free-roaming dogs on Native American reservations.  Learn more about the history of rez dogs! 

WHERE ARE
REZ DOGS?

Rez dogs occupy areas where humans frequent. Learn more about where rez dogs' occupancy and abundance!

HOW IS THE
​COMMUNITY IMPACTED

Rez dogs are deeply connected to the community. Learn about the public perception of control stratigies.