African wild dogs are among the most endangered carnivores, with welfare shaped by their extreme pack dependence and threats from disease and habitat loss.
Rabies and canine distemper from domestic dogs can eliminate entire packs rapidly, causing severe suffering. Snaring causes injuries that prevent hunting, leading to gradual starvation for the injured individual and reduced pack hunting efficiency. Road mortality leaves pups orphaned with reduced pack size below viability thresholds. Translocation stress is significant for highly social pack animals.