A One Welfare approach to identify socioeconomic vulnerability in families during investigations into companion animal abuse in Pinhais, Brazil.

A One Welfare approach allows intervention to resolve problems related to the human-animal-environment interface. However, in Brazil and many other countries, there is poor communication between human and animal welfare services. In this research we considered a One Welfare approach in cases of abuse involving dogs and cats. When investigating pet abuse, professionals from the Animal Welfare Division of Pinhais, Brazil, can enter the home environment. During routine animal abuse investigations, the demographic profile of pet owners and their socioeconomic vulnerability was also recorded. Results from forty-five cases with (n = 30) and without (n = 15) suspicion of socioeconomic vulnerability were sent to the Department of Social Assistance of Pinhais, Brazil for confirmation. Socioeconomic vulnerability was suspected if socioeconomic problems were reported by the pet owners under investigation or their neighbours, as well by assessment of the socioeconomic environment of the families during home visits. Economic disadvantage was the most prevalent socioeconomic vulnerability. Cohen's Kappa coefficients support the ability of animal welfare service professionals to detect socioeconomic vulnerability. Almost half of all families considered to have socioeconomic vulnerability had not previously participated in social programmes. In all cases involving families already being assisted by the Department of Social Assistance, pets were found to be suffering abuse. Families with socioeconomic vulnerability confirmed were included in the social programmes. These results support the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to improve the well-being of families with dogs and cats. This study can help guide the development of an interdisciplinary approach to address animal abuse cases.

Companion animal demography and population management in Pinhais, Brazil.

We used a two-stage cluster sampling design to estimate the population sizes of owned dogs and cats in Pinhais, Brazil. For dogs, we simulated the population dynamics using a compartmental model of coupled differential equations, incorporating uncertainties in a global sensitivity analysis and identifying the most influential parameters through local sensitivity analysis. The calibration with the known human population improved precision in population size for dogs but not for cats. Population pyramids had a wide base, and the apparent population turnover was lower than the net population gain. Most immigrants came from the state capital. Projected dog and human growth rates between 2017 and 2027 were positive and similar, while the projected proportion of sterilized dogs decreased over the same period. The main reason provided for not sterilizing animals was the cost of the procedure, even though there were free alternatives. The demographic characterization made in the present study will serve for future comparisons and as a reference in epidemiological contexts. The simulations indicated what to expect in specific scenarios and stressed the need to increase current sterilization rates.

Associated factors of companion animal neglect in the family environment in Pinhais, Brazil.

Dogs and cats are often abused within households. Despite this, little research has been developed to know the factors associated with this crime. The objective of this study was to identify the associated factors of companion animal neglect in the family environment. We followed up the records of animal abuse investigations of the Protection Animal Division of the city of Pinhais, Brazil. Socioeconomic factors about the owners and four types of indicators: nutritional, comfort, health and behavioral were considered. A binomial logistic regression model was fitted with the purpose of predicting the presence of animal neglect based on predictor variables. The number of animals in the household, disadvantageous economic conditions, the presence of disabled people and a low educational level of the owners were identified as associated factors of animal neglect. Understanding the factors related to the occurrence of animal neglect is fundamental for the development of multidisciplinary preventive strategies to reduce the occurrence of this crime.