PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE OF THE POPULATION ON THE TOPIC OF ANIMAL WELFARE APPLIED TO DOGS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CACOAL-RO

Abstract

Animal welfare can mean different things to different people, it is often not an easy concept to understand.  In general, “welfare” refers to an animal’s quality of life, whether it is healthy, whether its physical and mental condition is adequate, and whether it is free to express the normal behaviors of the species.  With advances in research, creation of laws and regulations that protect and legally guarantee the rights of animals, the five freedoms of animal welfare were created to help defend animals.  This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness and practice of the population related to animal welfare applied to dogs in the municipality of Cacoal-RO.  Therefore, a descriptive study, of a qualitative and quantitative nature, was carried out in which 56 dog owners, over 18 years of age, answered a questionnaire, with 16 simple multiple-choice questions.  In general, the owners who responded to the questionnaire showed that they are concerned about the well-being of their dogs and try to meet their basic needs, even those who had no knowledge of the concept of animal welfare.  It is important to promote information on the topic, especially education and awareness among people of all levels of education and ages.