University extension in control of stray dogs population for citizen's transformation

Abstract

Overpopulation of domestic animals is a serious problem and it results from human activity, so it is up to us to seek solutions. This article aimed at describing the activities conducted by the extension program "Population control of municipal stray dogs in São João del-Rei, MG" during its first five years. The program, which is permanent, has been conducted by the Federal University of São João del-Rei and it had the participation of the City Hall and several foster homes. The adoption of the castrated dogs and abandoned puppies, several educational awareness campaigns in schools and the castration of stray dogs were performed. Almost 300 castration and 280 adoptions were obtained and about 5,000 people were affected directly and indirectly by the educational campaigns and events performed by the program. Mainly, children composed the public of these campaigns, and we aimed at changing the way of thinking and acting of the small citizens and the public about stray dogs and animal care. Interdisciplinary actions were developed in partnership with students from Animal Science, Psychology and Communication courses in order to produce educational material and researches on undergrad level. Results showed the importance of interidisciplinary knowledge in finding resolutions for a common goal. The program has been able to directly and indirectly generate a discussion about this subject and affect the opinion and the behavior of the population. These results, when concomitant to the castration, have contributed to a long-term lower of the incidence of stray dogs in São João del-Rei city, Brazil.