Equídeos de tração: perspectivas legislativas, sociais, de saúde e bem-estar animal nos Municípios de João Pessoa e Campina Grande-PB

Abstract

It is common to observe in Brazilian cities the use of horses to pull carts or carts, but it is also not uncommon to observe their misuse, either due to the precarious condition of the vehicle, the condition of the animal or the direction of the cart driver. Accidents, incorrect driving of the vehicle, handling errors, deprivation of basic animal needs, abuse, mistreatment, among other things, can be observed. Most of the time, carters do not have access to essential information, especially regarding the care of animals, which ends up making it difficult to provide veterinary assistance to their animals and access to information about responsible custody. This work aimed to analyze the laws related to draft animals in the municipalities of João Pessoa and Campina Grande, PB, as well as to collect municipal data on cart drivers and society's opinions on the use of horses for transportation. To this end, a comparative analysis of laws nº 5.212/2012 of Campina Grande-PB (PARAÍBA, 2012) and nº 13.170/2016 of João Pessoa -PB (PARAÍBA, 2016) was carried out, the comparative analysis of the profile of cart drivers from both municipalities , as well as the collection and analysis of data obtained through questionnaires regarding the opinion of the population of these municipalities regarding the use of animals for traction. After analyzing the data, it was verified that in Campina Grande the law aims to regulate the use of animal-drawn vehicles, while in João Pessoa it has the objective of prohibiting the use of animal-drawn vehicles in general, however, both have in order to provide guidelines for monitoring this activity. The carters are predominantly black men aged 18 to 59 years, with incomplete primary education, monthly income of up to 1 minimum wage, do not have a National Driver's License and transport recyclable materials. Most of the population interviewed is aware of the concept of animal welfare, does not agree with the use of animals to pull carts and has already witnessed situations of mistreatment of animals, however, they are unaware of the laws that regulate the use of animals for traction. By carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the legislative and social perspectives regarding the use of animals to pull carts, this research can promote a discussion of how laws are being implemented and what alternatives can be provided so that cart drivers, and consequently their animals. , have a better quality of life. From this information, more appropriate and effective public policies and educational actions can be developed to raise awareness about the ethical and humane treatment of animals used for work.