Retrospective analysis of animal abuse in the region of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Southern Brazil, using animal welfare criteria

Abstract

The human-animal relationship should be positive; however, negative interactions are frequently registered, some of which can be found as reports of incidents of animal abuse.  The aim of this study was to survey the history of complaints of animal abuse recorded in the Animal Protection Society of Campo Largo and Curitiba and in the Animal Defense and Protection Network of Curitiba, Paraná, and to analyze the relevance of veterinary action in such cases. The data collected were animal species involved, description of complaints and relevant information to classify them according to the causes and the Five Freedoms. Of the allegations, 82.9% involved dogs. The most common causes were abandonment (16.2%), failure to provide food and water (15.7%), death (14.7%) and lack of veterinary care (13.5%). Most of the cases referred to the freedom from pain, injury and disease, and the freedom from hunger and thirst, although the technical evaluation has revealed a frequent impact on psychological freedom. The results suggest that the collaboration of a professional specialized in animal welfare can enhance the deliberations in cases of suspected animal abuse.