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Mota-Rojas D, Strappini A, Whittaker AL, Ghezzi M, Titto CG, Calderón-Maldonado N, Mora-Medina P, Domínguez-Oliva A, Gómez-Prado J, Hernández-Ávalos I, José-Pérez N, Casas-Alvarado A, Orihuela A. Controversial Topics in Animal Welfare in Latin America: A Focus on the Legislation Surrounding the Human-Companion Animal Relationship and Animals Used for Recreational Practices. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091463. [PMID: 37174499 PMCID: PMC10177325 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a societally relevant issue that is globally attracting increased attention. This is in addition to the importance placed on welfare for the animals themselves. However, the content and application of laws protecting animals' welfare vary across countries. In Latin America, there are a range of common practices or activities involving certain animal species, many of which are legal, that can impair an animal's quality of life. These include the performance of aesthetic surgical procedures; bull-, cock-, and dog fighting; and the existence of circuses that exhibit animals. The extent and impact of these practices being dependent on the socioeconomic, cultural, territorial, and regulatory landscape of each country. Particularly, Ibero-American regions face welfare challenges that might be influenced by traditions and relevant legal gaps. The objective of this article is to review controversial practices carried out in companion and entertainment animals in Latin America, with a focus on legal aspects, as well as the current efforts being made to address and incorporate global welfare standards into domestic and wild animal practice and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 04960, Mexico
| | - Ana Strappini
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra L Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia
| | - Marcelo Ghezzi
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - Cristiane Gonçalves Titto
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia e Etologia, FZEA-USP, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | | | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 04960, Mexico
| | - Jocelyn Gómez-Prado
- Neurophysiology, Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 04960, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Nancy José-Pérez
- Neurophysiology, Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 04960, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 04960, Mexico
| | - Agustín Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico
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McDowall S, Hazel SJ, Chittleborough C, Hamilton-Bruce A, Stuckey R, Howell TJ. The Impact of the Social Determinants of Human Health on Companion Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061113. [PMID: 36978653 PMCID: PMC10044303 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The social determinants of health (SDH) focus on the social, physical and economic factors that impact human health. Studies have revealed that animal guardians face a range of challenges in attaining positive welfare outcomes for their companion animals, which can be influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Despite this, there is a lack of research specifically exploring the relationship between SDH and animal welfare outcomes. Given that the SDH impact on humans, which in turn directly impacts on their companion animal, it is important to adapt an SDH framework for companion animal welfare by characterising the impact of the SDH on companion animal guardians in their attempts to care for their animals and, by extension, the associated welfare outcomes. This paper explores how these human health determinants may impact animal welfare and the possible challenges that may arise for the guardian when attempting to meet their companion animal's welfare needs. By integrating the SDH with other key frameworks, including the five domains model of animal welfare, through multidisciplinary collaboration, this framework can be used to inform future programs aiming to improve animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya McDowall
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3082, Australia
| | - Susan J Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Catherine Chittleborough
- School of Public Health, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Anne Hamilton-Bruce
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Rwth Stuckey
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3082, Australia
| | - Tiffani J Howell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
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Jafarian S, Akpek E, Reinhard CL, Watson B. A Qualitative Analysis of Clinical Year Veterinary Student Journal Entries for a Shelter Medicine Rotation. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:858419. [PMID: 35464351 PMCID: PMC9019659 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.858419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary medical schools are tasked with not only providing experiences necessary to graduate veterinarians proficient in the skills and knowledge used most frequently in private practice, but also develop expertise in animal behavior, welfare, ethics, veterinary forensics, and cultural competency. Integrating all these knowledge areas into the curriculum can be challenging. Shelter medicine is increasingly identified by educators as an optimal learning environment to offer exposure to these topics. It can not only meet learning objectives in veterinary medical curriculum, but also provide students with authentic learning experiences to engage in and gain a deeper understanding of cultural humility, implicit bias, diversity, and inclusion. This includes documentation of international learning outcomes for shelter medicine in veterinary medical curriculum. There have been no studies evaluating authentic learning experiences specific to shelter medicine programs and their impacts on students. The aim of this study was to determine the individual activities and thematic categories on which veterinary students chose to reflect on and their potential impacts during a clinical rotation in shelter medicine at Penn Vet through qualitative content analysis of their journal entries. In our study, students found experiences on the shelter medicine rotation to be beneficial to their growth as a future veterinarian, provided them with takeaways that they found applicable and practical, helped them self-identify knowledge gaps, and changed their perspectives on several important topics related to collective human and animal welfare. These results speak to the value perceived by students of the rotation and suggest an authentic learning experience through a shelter medicine program can help cultivate more practice-ready and culturally competent veterinary graduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaila Jafarian
- VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Sohaila Jafarian
| | - Eda Akpek
- Mixed Methods Research Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chelsea L. Reinhard
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brittany Watson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Ly LH, Gordon E, Protopopova A. Inequitable Flow of Animals in and Out of Shelters: Comparison of Community-Level Vulnerability for Owner-Surrendered and Subsequently Adopted Animals. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:784389. [PMID: 34869751 PMCID: PMC8635993 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.784389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing awareness among animal shelter professionals regarding the role of shelters in perpetuating inequities in pet ownership, although the relationship between owner vulnerabilities and animal shelter services is largely understudied. Currently, there is no literature comparing the sociodemographic conditions of communities where surrendered animals originate and communities where they are adopted. The present study compared the "flow" of surrendered animals between originating communities (incoming) and communities where they were adopted (outgoing; n = 21,270). To analyze community-level vulnerability, we used the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD), which has four dimensions of social vulnerability. We found that three of the four CIMD dimensions were significantly different between surrendering and adopting communities (Ethnocultural Composition, Situational Vulnerability (SV), Economic Dependency, but not Residential Instability). For further investigation, we also grouped our analysis by intake groups (small animal n = 2,682; puppy n = 973; dog n = 3,446; kitten n = 6,436; cat n= 7,733) and found multiple relationships for which the incoming and outgoing CIMD quintiles were different. For example, for both puppies and kittens, the median outgoing SV quintile ranks were statistically significantly lower (less vulnerable) than incoming quintile ranks, with the effect size being moderate (puppy r = 0.31, kitten r = 0.30; p ≤ 0.0025), supporting the concern of the flow of certain animals from more vulnerable to less vulnerable communities. The results of this research provide a basis for understanding potential inequities in the use of shelter services to surrender or adopt an animal. Furthermore, these methods allow animal shelters to assess community needs and create interventions to reduce intake and increase adoption of animals. Finally, these data provide further support that animal sheltering is best considered from a One Welfare perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexis H Ly
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emilia Gordon
- The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexandra Protopopova
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Association between Dog Owner Demographics and Decision to Seek Veterinary Care. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8010007. [PMID: 33466270 PMCID: PMC7824748 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: An important aspect of dog ownership is providing veterinary care. However, features of dog ownership differ across demographic groups and these may influence veterinary client decision making and behavior. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate relationships between American dog owner characteristics and willingness to seek veterinary care. (2) Methods: A total of 858 dog owners completed an online questionnaire asking participants to rate their level of likelihood to seek veterinary care for different medical conditions, answer supplemental questions about their previous veterinary barriers, and indicate barriers that prevent them from seeking veterinary care. (3) Results: Dog owners did not differ by demographics in their willingness to seek veterinary care. However, dog owner demographic groups varied in their relationship with their dog(s), previous behaviors accessing veterinary care, and barriers that make seeking veterinary care challenging. (4) Conclusions: Education, outreach and community-based veterinary medicine efforts should allocate resources to underserved communities identified within the context that they are affected by barriers to obtaining veterinary care for their dog(s).
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Kinsman RH, Gruffydd-Jones TJ, Clements J, Murray JK. Risk factors for redemption of feline neutering vouchers issued by welfare organisations. Vet Rec 2017; 181:427. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.104379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Kinsman
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol; Bristol UK
- Royal Veterinary College - Hawkshead Campus; Hatfield UK
| | | | | | - Jane K Murray
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol; Bristol UK
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LaVallee E, Mueller MK, McCobb E. A Systematic Review of the Literature Addressing Veterinary Care for Underserved Communities. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2017; 20:381-394. [DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2017.1337515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth LaVallee
- Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
| | - Megan Kiely Mueller
- Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
| | - Emily McCobb
- Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
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Dias Costa E, Martins CM, Cunha GR, Catapan DC, Ferreira F, Oliveira ST, Garcia RDCM, Biondo AW. Impact of a 3-year pet management program on pet population and owner's perception. Prev Vet Med 2017; 139:33-41. [PMID: 28364830 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although pet population management programs have been established worldwide, few reports on program evaluation have been carried out to date. Accordingly, a 3-year longitudinal study has been carried out in a 4000 household neighborhood located within the metropolitan area of Curitiba, the eighth most populated city of Brazil. Visits were conducted and questionnaires completed to estimate and characterize the local pet population (animal sex, reproductive and vaccination status, street access). Care provided by owners, community perception on stray dog management and the possible changes were compared in these variables over time (2010 and 2013) were evaluated, after the establishment of a city pet population management program. In addition, associations between having children, owning dogs and cats, responsible pet ownership education and owner's perception on stray dogs were statistically tested. A total of 354/4000 (8.9%) household families were interviewed in 2010 and 70/354 (19.8%) of the same families again in 2013. No significant changes were found in overall number of dogs and cats and average pet age, animal care and owner's perception on stray dogs following the 3-year population management program. In 2010, an average of 1.6 dogs and 0.3 cats were found per family, with slightly more females (51.3% dogs and 51.1% cats), adults (4.0±3.5years for dogs and 2.1±2.4 for cats), intact (not neutered; 94.2% dogs and 84.0% cats) and lacking regular visit to veterinarian (71.6%). Although more families (53.1%) had children under 12 years old, no association was found between having children and having dogs and cats. Questionnaires revealed that owners perceived neutering/spaying to be the best pet population control method (42.4%), with "society" (50%) and "government" (49.4%) as responsible for pet population management. A significant positive association has been found between education level and the best way to control stray dogs (p=0.03), between having dogs and in favor of neutering/spaying (p=0.04) and considering neutering/spaying as the best control method (p=0.02). The chances of thinking the best way to control stray dogs by neutering/spaying and adoption were almost 2.0 fold higher than other methods. In conclusion, the present study has provided indicators (education level, having dogs) for pet population control program assessment and effectiveness evaluation. Moreover, this study may serve as a warning on the real long-term effect of such programs, which should be periodically evaluated to identify necessary adjustments and/or improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Dias Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Camila Marinelli Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Graziela Ribeiro Cunha
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | | | - Fernando Ferreira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Simone Tostes Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | | | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, 80035-050, Brazil.
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Benka VA, McCobb E. Characteristics of cats sterilized through a subsidized, reduced-cost spay-neuter program in Massachusetts and of owners who had cats sterilized through this program. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016; 249:490-8. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.249.5.490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Schoenfeld-Tacher R, Kogan LR, Wright ML. Comparison of strength of the human-animal bond between Hispanic and non-Hispanic owners of pet dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010; 236:529-34. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.236.5.529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Faver CA. Sterilization of Companion Animals: Exploring the Attitudes and Behaviors of Latino Students in South Texas. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2009; 12:314-30. [DOI: 10.1080/10888700903163534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Poss JE, Bader JO. Results of a free spay/neuter program in a Hispanic colonia on the Texas-Mexico border. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2009; 11:346-51. [PMID: 18821403 DOI: 10.1080/10888700802330010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study, conducted in a small, impoverished Hispanic community on the Texas-Mexico border, was to evaluate the level of participation in a bilingual spay/neuter program offered free of charge to residents with companion animals. Prior to the sterilization project, approximately 11% of dogs and about 27% of cats with guardians underwent surgical sterilization. Over an 8-month period, the spay/neuter program sterilized about 47% of dogs and 38% of cats who had guardians in the community. In spite of residents' early reluctance to neuter their dogs, the project sterilized nearly equal numbers of male and female dogs (200 male; 201 female).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Poss
- School of Nursing, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
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