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MADACC Shelter Over Capacity As Number Of Dogs Climbs Past Kennel Limit

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission is operating beyond capacity, housing 194 dogs in a facility designed for 149, according to a Monday, May 12, press release.

The agency, which serves as Milwaukee County's only open-admission shelter for stray animals, continues to accept all strays from within the county. MADACC is asking for public assistance through adoptions, temporary foster care and donations.

Staff says that every adopted or fostered animal frees space for incoming strays.

Officials note that rapid reunifications help reduce crowding and improve conditions, so owners of lost pets are asked to check MADACC daily to look for lost animals.

Anyone who can contribute to helping MADACC can click here for more information, or can visit them in person at 3839 W. Burnham St.

The Silent Victims: How Secondhand Smoke Affects Dogs

When we think about the harms of smoking, we often focus on its direct health consequences in humans: namely lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness, among others. What often goes unnoticed is the impact cigarette smoke has on our closest companions: our pets.

For decades, experimental research has explored the physical effects of smoking on animals, particularly dogs, who were used as models to study human health risks. These studies have revealed lung damage, increased cancer susceptibility, and various other diseases in dogs subjected to smoke exposure. (Shout out to Brad Bolman's recently-released book Lab Dog, which chronicles the use of beagles in laboratory experimentation; he has a chapter devoted to the cigarette smoke inhalation studies conducted on beagles.)

Yet a critical aspect remained largely ignored: how secondhand smoke affects dogs emotionally and behaviorally.

A new study by Alaie et al. (2025), "Behavioral changes in domestic dogs associated with exposure to secondhand smoke: A cross-sectional study," has brought this overlooked issue to the forefront. The research, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, found that dogs living with smoking owners exhibit notable behavioral changes compared to those in smoke-free homes. This study offers compelling evidence that secondhand smoke doesn't just hurt a dog's body—it alters their mind and behavior, too.

The Research: A Closer Look

The cross-sectional study examined 304 domestic dogs, evenly split between those exposed to secondhand smoke and those not exposed. Owners filled out detailed questionnaires assessing their dogs' exposure levels and behavior, which was evaluated using the Dog Personality Questionnaire (DPQ). Variables such as sex, age, neutering status, and household dynamics were carefully considered.

The results were striking. Dogs exposed to cigarette smoke showed significantly higher odds of experiencing behavioral problems in six key areas:

These findings reveal that environmental tobacco smoke can deeply influence a dog's emotional state and behavior, often in ways that are both troubling and dangerous.

Behavioral Effects and Their Consequences

Dogs who display aggression, anxiety, or fear are often perceived as problematic by their owners. These behavioral problems are one of the top reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters or even euthanized. According to studies by Dreschel (2010) and Segurson et al. (2005), around half of dog relinquishments are related to behavior issues. Thus, secondhand smoke may indirectly contribute to an increase in pet abandonment or shortened lifespans.

The heightened aggression noted in the study could put both humans and other pets at risk. Aggressive behavior toward other animals is especially concerning given that socialization is critical in multi-pet households or public settings like dog parks. Increased fearfulness and anxiety not only degrade the quality of life for the dog but also for the owner, who may struggle to manage such unpredictable behavior.

Moreover, reduced trainability means these dogs are less likely to learn commands or adjust to home routines. This further strains the human-animal bond and undermines one of the core benefits of dog ownership—companionship based on communication and mutual understanding.

Environmental Stressors and Canine Mental Health

Secondhand smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including known neurotoxins such as nicotine and carbon monoxide. In humans, exposure to these chemicals has been linked to mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. It's reasonable to infer that similar mechanisms might be affecting dogs, whose neurophysiology shares many parallels with our own.

Unlike most humans, domestic dogs are rarely able to remove themselves from harmful environments. They can't open a window, step outside for fresh air, or request a smoke-free space. They rely entirely on their owners for environmental safety. As a result, their prolonged exposure to environmental stressors like cigarette smoke can trigger chronic stress responses—altering their behavior, hormone levels, and ultimately, their mental and physical health.

The Human Factor: Owner Behavior Shapes Pet Behavior

Interestingly, behavioral changes in dogs are often reflections of their environment, including the habits and lifestyle of their owners. Numerous studies have established links between the emotional states and behaviors of dog owners and their pets. An owner who smokes might also engage in other lifestyle factors—such as higher stress levels, irregular routines, or reduced physical activity—that indirectly affect the dog.

Furthermore, smoking inside a home may signal a broader pattern of indoor environmental neglect. This is important to consider because dogs are sensitive to changes in their environment. Poor air quality, reduced social interaction, and limited physical stimulation can all impact a dog's behavior.

Why Awareness Matters

The implications of the Alaie et al. (2025) study are clear: exposure to secondhand smoke poses serious risks to the behavioral health of dogs. Pet owners who smoke indoors may unintentionally contribute to aggression, fear, anxiety, and disobedience in their pets. These behaviors can escalate into severe issues, placing strain on the human-animal bond and increasing the likelihood of relinquishment.

Veterinarians and animal behaviorists should begin screening for smoking habits during consultations, especially when evaluating dogs for behavioral issues. Public health campaigns targeting smoking cessation should also consider including messages about pet health, broadening the scope of awareness beyond human health alone.

Final Thoughts

Dogs are more than just pets—they are family. They rely on us not just for food and shelter, but also for a safe, nurturing environment. The evidence is mounting that secondhand smoke undermines their behavioral well-being and overall quality of life. As we continue to better understand the mental and emotional lives of animals, it's imperative that we make lifestyle changes that reflect this understanding.

So, if you're a dog owner who smokes, the message is simple: smoke outside, or better yet, quit altogether—not just for your health, but for the health and happiness of your loyal companion

References

Alaie, M., Sheikhi Narani, M., Jamshidi, S., Tamimi, N. S. M., & Akbarein, H. (2025). Behavioral changes in domestic dogs associated with exposure to secondhand smoke: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 66, 1–10. Https://doi.Org/10.1016/j.Jveb.2025.04.008

Dreschel, N. A. (2010). The effects of fear and anxiety on health and lifespan in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 125(3–4), 157–162.

Segurson, S. A., Serpell, J. A., & Hart, B. L. (2005). Evaluation of a behavioral assessment questionnaire for use in the characterization of behavioral problems of dogs relinquished to animal shelters. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 227(11), 1755–1761.

More references

Going To The Dogs: New York Court Of Appeals Opens Door To Animal Negligence Claims

New York's Court of Appeals has overturned decades-old precedent and permitted victims of animal-related injuries to recover damages against an animal's owner. An injured person can now pursue claims against an animal's owner if the defendant knew or should have known about the animal's vicious propensity. A "vicious propensity" includes any behavior that reflects a proclivity to act in a way that puts others at risk of harm. An injured person can also recover if the defendant was negligent in causing animal-related injuries.

Background

In Flanders v. Goodfellow, a postal carrier was bitten while delivering a package to the defendants' residence by the defendants' dog. The dog lunged at the plaintiff and bit her shoulder to the extent it caused a "snap tear" to her shoulder muscle. The injury required multiple surgeries and resulted in permanent scarring. The plaintiff sued the defendants and asserted claims for strict liability and negligence.

There was evidence that the dog previously exhibited aggressive behavior, such as growling, barking and slamming into glass windows as the postal carriers approached the defendants' house. There was no "Beware of Dog" sign posted at the defendants' premises. However, the dog was known by other postal carriers to be aggressive, and the defendants had posted on social media about the difficulties with the dog's training and behavior. The plaintiff's negligence and strict liability cause of action were both dismissed by the lower courts.

The Court's Reasoning

In part, the plaintiff's claims were dismissed based on long-standing precedent in New York which held that a negligence cause of action is not available for harm caused by a domestic animal. However, the plaintiff asked the Court of Appeals to reinstate her claims and to revisit the jurisprudence surrounding liability for the harmful acts of domestic animals.

The Court of Appeals noted that the prior jurisprudence could not be harmonized with traditional tort principles, which impose a duty to act with due care. By exempting the owners of domestic animals from negligence liability, the prior case law departed from the standard incentives to act with due care or risk being liable for damages. The Court of Appeals noted that New York had been an outlier in its failure to recognize these claims; for example, approximately 36 states recognized negligence as a distinct theory for animal-induced injuries. The Court of Appeals held that the current state of the law in New York regarding liability for animal-induced injuries is an obstacle in "the path to justice."

Practical Implications

The Court of Appeals determined that there is now a two-pronged approach to liability for harms caused by animals. A plaintiff who suffers an animal-induced injury has a choice: if the owner knew or should have known that the animal had vicious propensities, the plaintiff may seek to hold the owner strictly liable. Alternatively, the plaintiff can rely on the rules of ordinary negligence and seek to prove that the defendant failed to exercise due care under the circumstances that caused the injury. A plaintiff could also assert both theories of liability against the animal's owner.

This decision opens the door to a bevy of potential claims against the owners of animals and their insurers. Defense counsel will need to develop investigation and discovery strategies to keep these claims on a tight leash.

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