Did you know that abandoning animals is a federal crime in Brazil? Since 1998, there has been a law that punishes abandonment with imprisonment and fines. In 2020, a new law increased the detention penalty to up to five years for animal cruelty cases involving dogs and cats. Brazil classifies animal abandonment as an act of cruelty.
Animals are not disposable, and abandoning them is an act of cruelty that causes physical suffering. Abandoned animals struggle to find food and shelter in unfamiliar environments, leaving them exposed to harsh weather and potential harm. Emotional damage also occurs, as animals form strong bonds with their guardians. Abandonment can lead to anxiety, depression, and intense fear.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are over 30 million abandoned animals in Brazil today. During holiday months like December, January, and July, abandonment rates spike significantly, with 94.4% of NGOs and protectors reporting a noticeable increase during these times. Additionally, 90% of respondents noted a rise in abandonment cases during economic crises.
According to the national survey conducted by Cobasi, here are some alarming statistics:
75% of abandonment cases occur in urban areas, with mixed-breed dogs being the most common victims.
Among dogs, black (26.2%) and caramel (23.5%) fur colors lead the abandonment statistics, followed by spotted (14.2%) and brown (10.9%) dogs.
Notable breeds include Pitbulls (13.7%), Shih Tzus (7.2%), and Chow Chows (5.8%).
For cats, 87.5% of abandoned felines are mixed breeds, predominantly black (29.5%) and spotted (22.5%).
Reasons for abandonment vary, but moving homes is the leading cause, representing 9.2% of cases. Other reasons include inability to care for a sick pet (7.6%), the birth of children (7.2%), the animal growing larger than expected (7.1%), and changes in the owner's routine (6.4%).
When adopting an animal, guardians assume responsibility for its life and well-being. If unable to care for the animal, alternatives like seeking shelters or responsible adoption should be considered instead of abandoning it.
Even if animals are left in parks, they can still face dangers or become threats to biodiversity and people. Abandoned animals can impact wildlife and potentially acquire or transmit diseases.
To raise awareness, the "December Verde" campaign has been held since 2015, coinciding with International Animal Rights Day. This campaign promotes responsible pet ownership and combats abandonment and cruelty.
The survey also revealed that 83.3% of respondents reported cases of returned animals after adoption, with dogs making up 85.4% of these cases. Reasons for return often relate to a lack of planning and understanding of the adopted animal's profile. "Adopting an animal is an act of love and responsibility. Adoption must be a conscious and planned decision," emphasizes Daniela Bochi, Marketing Manager at Cobasi.
The call for action extends to the public's responsibility in monitoring and reporting animal cruelty.