Journal of Natural Environment

Public Attitudes Toward the Management of Stray Dogs in Tabriz: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

10.22059/jne.2026.405182.2855

Abstract

The increasing population of stray dogs in Iranian cities and its public health and social impacts underscore the need to understand public attitudes toward this issue. Such insights can guide more humane and effective policies for managing stray dog populations. This study assessed the attitudes of Tabriz residents toward stray dog management and examined demographic and experiential factors influencing their views. A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted from February to May 2025 among 773 residents selected through multistage sampling from 33 districts. Data were gathered using a validated questionnaire with three sections: demographic and experiential characteristics; 17 Likert-scale items assessing four attitude dimensions (non-lethal interventions, public role, perceived importance of the issue, and returning dogs to the environment); and semi-structured questions on management preferences. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and One-way ANOVA. The mean age of respondents was 42.27±14.78 years; 53.3% were women and 83.6% were married. Significant differences in attitude were found by gender, marital status, head of household status, place of residence, and pet sterilization experience (P<0.01). ANOVA indicated significant variations based on religious belief, occupation, education, income, exposure to stray dogs, and feeding experience. Most participants favored humane strategies such as capture, vaccination, and sterilization over culling. Public attitudes in Tabriz were generally positive, supporting non-lethal, community-based, and participatory approaches. Effective management requires public education, social participation, ongoing sterilization programs, and inter-agency coordination for sustainable and humane control of stray dog populations.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 78, Issue 4
February 2026
Pages 601-614