Community dog program in five municipalities of Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

It is necessary to advance the study of stray dog population management strategies because of the vulnerable situation in which stray dogs live which may pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation of the Community Dog Program in 5 municipalities in the state of Paraná, listing its main characteristics and the most common challenges encountered. The study was carried out from July to November 2016 in the municipalities of Araucária, Lapa, Pinhais, Piraquara, and Ponta Grossa through their Municipal Health and Environment Secretariats. The Community Dog Program was implemented when the register included 20 dogs per municipality, and it was considered that the secretariats were able to continue the program autonomously. The methodology was based on the pioneer municipalities in the state, Araucária, and Campo Largo, regarding the registration of community dogs. The program was implemented in 5 phases: initial planning, screening of animals, registration of dogs and caretakers, veterinary procedures with animals included in the program, and a final meeting with all involved. The method initially proposed a review required by the field. For example, in the municipality of Piraquara, most dogs (75%, 15/20) did not have a fixed shelter, but met the other criteria. Inadequate handling by the caretakers regarding the supply of food and water to the dogs, the limited structure and human resources of the secretariats to carry out these actions, and the behavior of chasing the dogs were the main challenges of implantation. As for the chasing of moving objects by animals, there was a greater tendency for dogs to exhibit such behavior as adults, with time spent in the place of 1 to 5 years and in front of homes. The methodology used in the 5 municipalities proved to be applicable for the implementation of the Community Dog Program, as it allowed a list of relevant characteristics for population management and the most common challenges. The experience of implementing the program in 5 municipalities has the potential to support the construction of a guiding protocol to facilitate its implementation in other municipalities.