Effects of the Christchurch Earthquakes
on Cats and Dogs:
An Owner’s Perception
© Tania Lee 2013
Ju-Ting (Tania) Lee
1348947
Bachelor of Applied Science
Animal Management and Welfare
2013
Contents
Introduction
…………..………..………..………..………..………..………….…….. page 2
Abstract
………………..………..………..………..………..………..…………… page 10
Method
……….………..………..………..………..………..………..………..… page 13
Results
……….………..………..………..………..………..………..………..… page 14
Discussion/Conclusions
Acknowledgements
…………..………..………..………..….…………….. page 18
………..………..………..………..………..……………….. page 25
Appendix
………………..………..………..………..………..………..….…..…… page 26
References
……….………..………..………..………..………..………………..…… page 33
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Introduction
Globally, there have been a handful of major natural disasters that have happened in history.
These include events such as the San Francisco earthquake in 1989, Boxing day
earthquake/tsunami in Asia 2004, Hurricane Katrina 2005 as well as many more. At
approximately 4.35am on the 4th September 2010, Christchurch, New Zealand was rocked by a
7.1 Magnitude earthquake, 10km deep. Luckily due to time of day, there were no
fatalities/deaths. Although there were no fatalities, the ongoing aftershocks and the stress of
dealing with the aftermath forever changed Cantabrians. Less than 6 months later however, on
the 22nd February 2011 at the busy hour of 12.51pm, a 6.3 magnitude struck. Buildings had
already been weakened from the prior quake, especially those in the city centre. Although it was
smaller, at just 5km deep, this hit at peak business time, already weakened buildings collapsed,
previous liquefaction became completely mobile, and according to Christchurch Library (2013) a
total of 185 deaths were recorded, whilst 164 people were injured as a direct result of buildings
collapsing.
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September gave a nasty shock to the Cantabrian residents but thankfully no one died or became
trapped. It did however bring about uneasiness with continuing aftershocks and rumbles. Many
people developed anxiety and became permanently on edge. The February quake however was
much worse. It brought about devastation, death and depression. Dr Alan Prosser, a clinical
psychologist in Christchurch mentions patients following the earthquake experiencing problems
such as sleep difficulties, flashbacks, irritability and feeling on edge.
The devastation and the reparation the two earthquakes left behind no doubt had an effect on
the physical and mental wellbeing's of the residents of Christchurch. Depression and Anxiety
were presented at an all time high at Christchurch Central Hospital. Once dubbed “The Garden
City” for its beautiful surroundings and picturesque settings, Christchurch is a city forever
changed.
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In a major natural disaster, such as a tsunami or earthquake, the first response is usually panic or
fear and then the priority is escaping to safety. It is only days, weeks, months or even years later
we feel the after effects of these events. “Psychiatric symptomatology, posttraumatic stress
disorder, anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, and night- mares”(Bland et al, 1996), just to
name a few problems that occur in the aftermath due to these events. If this is the case, then
who is to say that animals would not also feel these emotions? “To Charles Darwin, it was
obvious that animals are sentient”. (Dawkins 2006).
Due to the size of these Christchurch quakes, it has disturbed the underlying fault lines, causing
continuing aftershocks and the possibility of yet another major quake. “Scientists warn that
quake-rattled Christchurch faces a 72 per cent probability of being hit by an earthquake
measuring between 5 and 5.4 magnitude in the next year.”(Canterbury Star, 2012).
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With this in mind, there have been plenty of cases of recorded humans suffering from the stress
of these events. “After two years of uncertainty, Christchurch is rife with anxiety and despair
with more than 66,000 Cantabrians popping anti-depressant pills, mental health referrals at an
all-time high and severe psychological disorders starting to emerge.” (Carville 2013). Little study
has been done however on the effects of animals. There is plenty of media coverage but no real
evidence based research. Interviewed by a radio station, Dr Andrew Hay (emergency after hours
vet) stated on the 7th September (3 days after the initial jolt), that “the number of cases
involving stressed and traumatized animals has been unusual.” (Radio NZ News 2010), thus
there is no doubt that this grey area does exist.
“Christchurch residents love their dogs. One in every five households in the Christchurch and
Banks Peninsula area owns one.” (Mathewson 2011). There is currently only one paper so far
which studies into the welfare of animals post Christchurch quake. Glassey, S (2010) states
“There were numerous anecdotal accounts of companion animals being deeply scared or
‘spooked’ by the earthquake event and running away from home”. Glassey, S (2010) also
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mentions that over 3000 animals perished as a direct result of the Christchurch quake (mainly
aviarian). This paper focuses on the September quake mainly and covers captive, livestock and
companion animals. It also draws inspiration form Hurricane Katrina and the Chaiten Eruption. It
does not however go deeply into post quake complications of animal behaviours or mental
implications. There is also little research that has been done overseas into behaviours and stress
in companion animals post natural disaster.
Beaver et al (2006), had investigated into the evacuation of animals. This paper mentions
complications that can arise that could impact animal welfare. “In some cases, owners
evacuating an area can take their animals with them, but as was seen during the hurricanes of
2005, individuals who use mass transit to evacuate are often not allowed to take animals with
them.”
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Sebastian et al (2001) also identifies this problem. “Pet abandonment is a major consequence of
disasters.” Sebastian et al (2001) also tells of an alarming number of animals that do get left
behind in evacuations. 69.5% of households evacuated without their pet of the households that
owned cats, 77% evacuated as they could not catch the cat. 63% of the evacuated also did not
return for their animals.
The same paper also indicates the dangers to leaving the pet alone in the house, including
rummaging for food and possibly eating toxins instead, or possibly being crushed/injured. If this
is the case, then how would this affect an animals’ mentality or stress levels? Would they be the
same animal when/if re-united with their owner? Would the animal even be alive if/when the
owner’s decide to return? In Fukushima owners were not allowed to evacuate with their
animals, as a result 6000-7000 animals perished. (Fukushima left behind animals, 2013). One of
the owners had repeatedly asked rescue workers to rescue his dog, when they finally made it
the dog had died of starvation. Aside from this, awareness on how to evacuate also poses an
issue, “Planning for pets in emergencies is now part of local, state, and federal preparedness
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efforts as a result of the enactment of the 2006 PETS Act. Yet there is little guidance on how to
conduct such planning efforts.”(Edmonds & Cutter, 2008). Hudson et al (2001) emphasized on
the importance of pre-planning such as vaccinations pre and post natural disaster, the
importance of identity tags and possible medication preparation.
In a different paper to above, Sebastian et al (2001) links the connection of human-animal
relationship to whether the animal would be rescued or not. “Apparently, households that act
responsibly toward pets in general also act responsibly in disasters, as reflected by the positive
association between a higher level of pet care and household evacuation.” So then perhaps the
more positive the relationship, the higher the chance the owner can possibly pickup of
abnormal behaviours their animal is exhibiting post disasters
With research into the noticed changes in companion animals in Christchurch, insight can be
brought to light about not only how the Christchurch earthquakes have affected these cats and
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dogs, but may also provide a stepping stone for similar researches to be done in other places
where natural disasters have happened and find correlations and similarities.
There is extensive media coverage on the effects of the human mind and body, The Press (a local
newspaper) noted that there were individuals who “may demonstrate the emotions of
numbness, depression, despair and anger”, but there has been little attention paid to how the
quakes have affected cats and dogs that experienced the quakes. It is perceived that cats and
dogs have feelings and can experience illnesses such as anxiety or depression, “Companion dogs
commonly experience states of anxiety, fears, and phobias”(Sherman & Mills 2008), in which
case it would be interesting to investigate how cats and dogs have coped with the stress of the
earthquakes or if it has changed them in any way.
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Abstract
The survey covers a range of questions to help gain as much information as possible. Questions
include such things as behavioural components e.g. changes to toileting and eating behaviours,
as well as exhibited behaviours such as barking/meowing. It also asks about the owner’s
responses to the earthquake, such as if they have noticed any mental changes in themselves e.g.
nervousness and if they feel there has been any changes to how they interact with their pet e.g.
if they seek out the company of their cat/dog more. As this research is a survey, answers were to
be based on the perceptions through their owner’s eyes, this could possibly limit or cause the
answers to be subjective to what the owner is feeling themselves. Nevertheless, hopefully the
answers give an insight into how the earthquakes have impacted the cats and dogs of
Christchurch.
Even 3 years on, there are still plenty of residents who are dealing with the stress of these two
events. Losing a loved one, a home, a school and peace of mind. Although extensive publicity
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has shed light on the trauma the earthquakes have left behind for the human residents, there is
yet to be much research into the effect it had on pets that stood by their owners and also
experienced the quakes. The aim of this study was to try grasp whether cats and dogs in
Christchurch were also affected and to how much of an extent. Animals are often overlooked
with humans being the priority, but being living beings as well they deserve a voice and deserve
to be acknowledged for their bravery and courage as well.
The Christchurch earthquakes undoubtedly had an effect on all the residents who experienced it.
An online survey was put out to the Christchurch public, to try find if their perception is whether
their cats or dogs were also affected. A total of 332 respondents completed the survey between
July 2013 to October 2013. Although originally, it was expected there would be a decent
amount of change seen, it seems the general consensus is that the cats and dogs of Christchurch
were barely affected and even if they were, the effect was very mild (this is all based on the
owners opinion). Almost 50% of participants would rate that they personally slept less (40.3%),
was a lot more nervous (52.1%), and always seeking out the escape route in new surroundings
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(47.9%). Yet the consensus was there was no change to their animal, only 2 standout results
being their pet was a lot more nervous (45.4%) and more aware of loud sounds (49.3%) (all
percentages rated as “agree” on a likert scale). It is unsure whether the animals really were
barely affected, or whether their owners did not perceive them to be affected.
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Method
An anonymous online survey was conducted via SurveyMonkey to gain the publics opinion.
Anyone who has owned a cat or dog since/during the September or February quakes and
experienced 1 or both of them is eligible to participate. This survey is open to individuals of any
gender aged 18 and above. Participants responded from all across the country however it was
not compulsory to answer every question. The questions range from asking about behaviours
exhibited to changes in personality and mentality. Online tallied results then show an indication
of where areas are more prominent/biggest changes and perhaps indicate a definite effect on
the dogs/cats of Christchurch.
This website link was shared across as many channels as possible including

Social media e.g. facebook

Posters at local public places e.g. libraries, supermarkets, malls etc

Pet shops where allowed

Emailed to pet shelters, animal rescue teams
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Results
As can be seen from Fig 1 below the majority of participants felt there was neutral/no change to
both behavioural and physical aspects. However there were a few consensus answers. From the
owner’s answers, a total of 17 participants chose to skip this questions, of the ones that did
answer, 40.3% agreed they slept less, 52.1% agreed they were a lot more nervous, 47.9% agreed
they were always seeking the escape route, 49.8% agreed they kept a closer eye on their dog or
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cat, 41.6 % agreed their pet helped them coped with the stress, whilst 42.9% of participants
strongly agreed the February quake had a bigger impact than the September quake. This is
probably most understandable given the devastation the February quake brought on. The
highest value was 56.8% of participants felt there was neutral/no change to feeling introverted
as a results of the earthquakes. On the opposite end the lowest ranked statement was just 1.3%
of participants who strongly agreed with being more extroverted or social after the earthquakes.
This shows that perhaps although participants did not feel any less introverted, they certainly
did not feel any more extroverted at all.
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Of the questions about their cat or dog, a total of 28 participants chose to skip this question. As
can be seen from fig 2 below
It is interesting that like the answer about the owners themselves, there was a higher rate of
participants (45.4%) who agreed their pet was a lot more nervous as a result of the quakes.
49.3% agreed that their pet was a lot more aware of loud sounds, and just as owners have kept a
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closer eye on their pet, 41.4% agreed their pet has seeked out their attention more. There was
also a consensus (32.9%) that the February quake had a bigger impact on their pets, just as it
was also one of the higher ranked values for the owners themselves. The highest value was
65.8%, who felt there was neutral/no change to the toileting habits of their pet, whilst the
lowest ranked score was just 1% who felt they strongly agreed with their pet eating less.
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Discussion/Conclusions
From the direct questions, 85% of respondents chose to not seek any veterinary advice, it seems
that the best form of alleviation has been a “good cuddle” and some proper “TLC (Tender Loving
Care). 88.4% of participants had also never studied or worked with animals so it is unsure how
well the expression and observation of the above behaviours were interpreted. The suburbs of
Linwood, Shirley and New Brighton was the most common ones to answer the questionnaire,
which is perhaps the most useful as these were all red-zoned areas, possibly giving the best
insight into the true extent of the aftermath of the earthquakes. Barely harmed areas such as
Avonhead and Burnside conjured the least amount of respondents.
Unlike previously assumed where there would be a big change seen in the cats and dogs of
Christchurch, the results and data show that the majority consensus was that there was little
change to their cats/dogs. Perhaps if this study had been done 2 years earlier there would have
been a bigger change seen as it would have been closer to the time of the actual event.
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Although no long term detrimental or major changes seem to have taken effect on the cats and
dogs, when asked the question, “does your cat or dog react to aftershocks, if so how?”,
participants commonly answered their pet would bark, jump up, hide etc. So even though there
may be no long term debilitating effects seen, it is clear that the earthquakes have still created a
ripple effect for future similar events.
A golden retriever puppy by the name of “Charlie” (Muir, 2010) had cut his nose during one of
the quakes from running away when he panicked. Incidents like this most deifnitely show there
was a reaction involved. Although a cut on the nose may heal with time, the emotional and
mental damage is hard to depict just how permanent it is. “Dog Guru managing director Simon
Goddall, who runs dog behaviour training courses across the country, said his company was
dealing with more anxious and aggressive dogs. Dogs were "really, really sensitive" and felt
every little aftershock, he said. Signs a dog was anxious included being "more on edge", more
observant, urinating inside or losing hair.” (Mathewson 2011).
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There were many similarities seen between the owners answers and answers in regards to their
pets. For example the majority of owners “agreed” that they seeked out the company of their
pet whilst they also “agreed” that their pet became more attention seeking and less wanting to
be alone. It was also commonly seen that the owners would answer in a very similar fashion
about themselves when compared with their answers about their pet. For example owners that
answered “agree” to most answers, were more likely to answer “agree” about their cats and
dogs. Vice versa if they answered “disagree” to most questions about themselves, they then
were more likely to answer “disagree” to most of the statements about their cat or dog. As with
any survey and experimental design, the more participants and the longer the survey had been
active it would have perhaps given an even clearer picture of how the cats and dogs of
Christchurch have been painted in reaction to the earthquakes
One could make the assumption that this could be partly to do with the fact that we tend to
anthromorphise animals to make them seem “closer” to humans. We as humans, and having a
need to nuture, tend to neotonise them and give them human like characteristics and emotions
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to make it seem like we understand them better. Although some expressions of emotion are
easily read e.g. a dog wagging his tail is most likely happy, a cat hissing is most likely angry, etc, it
can be harder to determine deeper psychological issues e.g. depression, anxiety, stress.
Even though mental illness was recorded at an all time high in hospitals and GP visits shortly
after the earthquakes, there does not seem to be a big worry or concern made aware for the
mental wellbeing of the pets. Owners are probably more inclined to treat their pet as a child and
a member of the family. As a result it’s possible that during the earthquakes the cats and dogs
would have probably been comforted with hugs and gentle strokes to try keep them calm.
It would be very difficult to determine and pinpoint exactly how much mental damage the
earthquakes could have done as not only would this require extensive veterinary testing
(bloodwork, cognitive tests etc), but also there would have to be tests done that catch the cats
or dogs reaction to an aftershock (although it could be possible to simulate an aftershock or
simply create a loud noise to create the same or similar fear). There would also have to be
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comparisons made to how the pet acted prior to the earthquakes, this would also be hard to
compare as it would be based solely on the owner’s memory and not from any actual testing.
Fig 1 and 2. Owners carry their pets to safety after the Japanese Tsunami/earthquake 2011,
Retrieved from
http://historiesofthingstocome.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/japans-disaster-pets-animals-and-omen
s.html
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To date there has only been 1 research paper ever published in regards to how the Christchurch
earthquakes affected the animals. There has yet to be any deep or confounding research into
this however in other countries where other major natural disasters have happened e.g. 2011
Tsunami/Earthquake in Japan, Hurricane Katrina 2005 and Bali tsunami 2004, Taiwan
earthquake 1999(known as the 921 earthquake for happening on September 21st), these are all
events which have had some light shed on this matter.
“Six weeks after Katrina, only 207 animals were known to have been reunited with their
guardians at HSUS-run operations. By December 2005, HSUS estimated over two thousand
reunions. Although the number of animals who died is unknown, estimates by the LA/SPCA
place it in the thousands.” (Irvine 2007). “Pets were lost, abandoned and died during the storm
and post-storm event.” (Rimoldi 2011). Judging just by these statements alone, although they
are not directly related to behaviour, it can paint a powerful picture of the mental stress the
surviving animals would have most likely gone through.
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Although yet to be proven with concrete evidence, it’s possible to forget that it is without a
doubt that cats and dogs have feelings, memories, thoughts and should be considered as more
than just an animal who lives in the home with you. In a major event such as a natural disaster,
they should not be forgotten or looked down upon as unimportant to look after or care for.
“Pets are one of the family and it is not okay to leave them behind when evacuating” (Glassey,
2010)
There is a handful of literature that highlights the importance of evacuation and casualties for
pets but little to be seen on the behaviours and changes in pets. “In New Zealand, the concept
of considering animal welfare during disasters is relatively new.” (Squance 2011). A recent book
was published (4th October 2013) titled “Quake Dogs” which told the stories of dogs who had
experienced the quakes, died in the quakes, and been heroes in the quakes. Such publicity and
awareness could be just what is needed to convince the public that although it can be proven
that cats and dogs are mentally affected by the earthquakes, at least there seems to be general
consensus that like humans, they are forever changed.
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Acknowledgements
Thankyou to Mark Farnworth of Unitec Auckland for his support and input during this research
Thankyou to Nigel Adams of Unitec Auckland for funding this online survey
Thankyou to Steve Glassey of Canterbury University for his insight into animal rescue during the
earthquakes
Thankyou to all of the participants who dedicated their time and effort into completing this
survey and helped complete this research
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Appendix
Results of the answers about the respondents themselves
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Results of the opinions on their cats and dogs
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Survey Questions
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References
Beaver, B., Gros, R., Bailey E., Lovern, C. (2006). Report of the 2006 National Animal Disaster
Summit. Vet Med Today: Disaster Medicine. 229(6), 943-948.
Bland, S., O’Leary, E., Farinaro, E., Jossa, F., Trevisan, M. (1996). Long term psychological effects
of natural disasters. Psychosomatic Medicine. 58, 18-24.
Christchurch Library, New Zealand Disasters, Retrieved 2013 from
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/NZDisasters/Canterbury-Earthquakes/22-February-201
1/
Dawkins, M. (2006). Through animal eyes: What behaviour tells us. Applied Animal Behaviour
Science. 100(1-2), 4-10.
Edmonds, A., Cutter, S. (2008). Planning for pet evacuation during disasters. Journal of Homeland
Security and Emergency Management. 5(1)
Fukushima left behind animals. (2013, May). Retrieved from
http://dedicatedtothemysterysurroundingthe2tsunamidogs.com/tag/great-east-japan-earthqua
ke-disaster-animal-rescue-task-force/
Hudson, L., Berschneider, H., Ferris, K., Vivrette, S. (2001). Disaster relief management of
companion animals affected by the floods of Hurricane Floyd. JAVMA, 218(3), 354-359.
Irvine, L. (2007). Animals in Disasters: Responsibility and action. Animals and Society Insitutue.
Retrieved from http://www.humanesocietyuniversity.org/files/emergenciesdisasters.pdf
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Mathewson, N. (2011 ). Quake-stressed dogs lashing out. The Press. Retrieved from
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/7367287/Quake-stresse
d-dogs-lashing-out
More Traumatised pets than usual. (2010, September). Radio NZ News. Retrieved from
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/canterbury-earthquake/56234/more-traumatised-pets-than-us
ual
Muir, J. (2010, September 8). Christchurch earthquake: Puppy stitched up after night of panic.
The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved from
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10671835
Rimoldi, M. (2011). “The Sociology of Animals in Disasters: Exploring the Human-Animal
Relationship in Emergency Management and Disaster Planning. Retrieved from
http://www.brackenengineering.com/Portals/0/MediaCoverage/The%20Sociology%20of%20An
imals%20in%20Disasters.pdf
Prosser, A. The Christchurch Earthquakes and Ongoing Stress, Retrieved 2013 from
http://www.christchurchpsychology.co.nz/news-and-views/christchurch-earthquakes-ongoing-st
ress/#more-2463
Psychosocial effects of the earthquakes, (2012, May). The Press. Retrieved from
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/perspective/6892800/Psychosocial-effects-of-the-eart
hquakes
Sebastian, E., Beck, A., Kass, P., Glickman, L. (2001). Risk factors for pet evacuation failure.
JAVMA. 218(12), 1905-1910
Sebastian, E., Beck, A., Kass, P., Glickman, L. (2001). Human and Pet-related Risk Factors for
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Household Evacuation Failure During a Natural Disaster. American Journal of Epidemiology.
153(7), 659-665.
Scientists predict Canterbury quake risk. (2012, Sep 28), NZ Herald. Retrieved from
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10837149
Sherman, B., Mills, S. (2008). Canine Anxieties and Phobias: An Update on Separation Anxiety
and Noise Aversions. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 38(5),
1081-1106
Squance, H. (2011). Animal Welfare Management: Educational Needs. Massey University.
Retrieved from
http://animalemergency.wikispaces.com/file/view/Animal+Welfare+Emergency+Management+
Educational+Needs+Squance+2011.pdf
Worry, Despair plague Christchurch residents. Carville, A. (2013, April). Retrieved from
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/8495604/Worry-despair-plague-Chris
tchurch-residents
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