Stray horses: a vision of animal welfare, environmental education and public health

• Autor(a) principal: Costa, Igor Cardoso
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Silva, Thais Rodrigues dos Santos Alves da, Santos, Thauana Rodrigues dos, Santos, Hércules Otacílio, Koshiyama, Marcell Hideki, Santos, Eliane Macedo Sobrinho
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por; eng
• Título da fonte: Scire Salutis
• Texto Completo: https://sustenere.inf.br/index.php/sciresalutis/article/view/7040
• topic: Guarda responsável; Qualidade de vida; Equideocultura; Poder público; Conscientização da população; Responsible custody; Quality of life; Horse breeding; Public Power; Awareness of the population

The present work aimed to sensitize the population of the city of Araçuaí - MG about the problems arising from the breeding and/or abandonment of equines in urban areas, especially on public roads. Questionnaires were applied to assess the population's knowledge of the impacts caused by the creation and/or abandonment of equidae in urban areas. On the occasion, folders were distributed and explanations were given on the theme of the project in order to make the population aware of the importance of being responsible for raising equines, thus avoiding the existence of stray animals on public roads. Finally, a critical evaluation of public policies aimed at releasing equidae in urban environments was carried out. It was verified, through the answers of the interviewees, that the creation and/or abandonment of equines in the urban environment causes economic, social, sanitary and environmental problems, in addition to harming the welfare of the animals. The population of the city, however, is partially aware of the economic, social, sanitary and environmental impacts caused by the creation and/or abandonment of equines in the urban environment. With regard to public policies in the city of Araçuaí aimed at equidae raised and/or abandoned in urban areas, it can be seen, based on current municipal legislation, that there is a concern with the problem, but that they are not sufficient or efficient to revert the current situation. It is concluded that attitude, and not just knowledge, is essential. For this, it is important and urgent to develop public policies focused on horses that are loose and/or abandoned on public roads, professionals for inspection and, above all, investment in education.