Our approach is data-led - using quantitative and qualitative information on free-roaming dogs in Sierra Leone and comparable populations to inform our strategy.
We are constantly learning and evolving our approach, based on the available data.
Our Progress
Survey findings from a survey of 393 dog-owning households in our intervention areas. The survey showed that 90% of owners are unable to bring their dogs more than a five-minute walk to see a vet. Read this and more results here.
2022 Household Survey
We conducted a survey of 136 households in our intervention area. Among the findings were an indication that there are 1.65 male dogs to every 1 female. Read the results here.
CPI's 2021 survey showed that many people mistakenly think that mange (a very common & easily treatable skin condition) is a sign of rabies, but that most people correctly visit the hospital in the case of a dog bite. Read about this and other findings here.
In June 2023, CPI conduced a small focus group of residents in our intervention area. The aim was to get feedback on our previous sterilisation and vaccination approaches, and find out more about what people want for dogs in their community. Read the focus group findings here.
CPI's Veterinary Director, Dr. Rebecca Dobinson and renowned parasitologist, Dr. Ian Wright conducted a study of bloodborne parasites in dogs attending our March 2022 spay-neuter clinic. The results were published in the UK's Vet Record. Read the article here.
Research on Dogs in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Available Research Relating to Roaming Dogs in Sierra Leone
Hatch, C., Sneddon, J., & Jalloh, G. (2004). A descriptive study of urban rabies during the civil war in Sierra Leone: 1995-2001. Trop Anim Health Prod 36(4), 321-334. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15241966/
Suluku, R., Abu-Bakarr, I., Johnny, J., & Jonsyn-Ellis, F. (2012). Post-war Demographic and Ecological Survey of Dog Populations and Their Human Relationships in Sierra Leone. (A Case Study of Urban Freetown). Science Journal of Agricultural Research and Management. Available from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269779580_Post-war_Demographic_and_Ecological_Survey_of_Dog_Populations_and_Their_Human_Relationships_in_Sierra_Leone_A_Case_Study_of_Urban_Freetown
Suluku, R., Obukowho, E. B. , Macavoray, A., & Kallon, M. N. (2021). Rabies Virus in Sierra Leone: Challenges and Recommended Solutions for Elimination by 2030. In (Ed.), Rabies Virus at the Beginning of 21st Century. Available from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/78534