Simple actions can transform thousands of canine lives and help reduce the number of abandoned animals on the streets. In this regard, December is a very important date for those who care about the animal cause: it is the month of awareness against abandonment!
This month was chosen because, at this time of year, many families pack their bags and travel on vacation, but do not include their pets in their destination. As a result, the number of abandoned animals in Brazil increases every year-end. That is why Green December was created.
What is Green December?
Green December is a national awareness campaign about animal abandonment. The month was created for the reason mentioned above: a way to remind everyone about the suffering and consequences of this act.
An abandoned animal is prone to accidents, illness and fright, and may bite a person or another animal that is walking with its owner. In addition, it can perpetuate some zoonoses.
Why is abandonment a crime?
Abandoning animals is a crime provided for in the Law against Environmental Crimes No. 9,605/98, in its Article 32, with a penalty of 2 (two) to 5 (five) years, a fine and a ban on new custody of animals.
Furthermore, if the animal dies due to abandonment, which is considered a form of mistreatment, the animal abandonment law provides for a more severe penalty, increasing it by one sixth to one third.
Sad data on animal abandonment in Brazil
The total number of pets in Brazil, according to a survey by the Pet Brasil Institute in 2021, is approximately 150 million. This may seem very good at first.
The problem is that, according to this same institute, the number of abandoned animals grows every year, and reached 185 thousand animals under the care of non-governmental organizations or independent protectors in 2021.
Another study, also carried out by the Pet Brasil Institute, with 400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), showed that around half of the animals in these institutions were abandoned.
Main reasons for animal abandonment in Brazil
According to research published in the Journal of Continuing Education in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of the State of São Paulo, there are several pretexts that lead to the abandonment of animals in the country.
Most reasons for abandonment are due to three factors: impulsiveness when adopting, lack of knowledge about the animal’s needs, and lack of long-term planning involving routine, money, and time. Check out the results of the survey:
- abandonment due to pet behavioral problems (mainly dogs): 46.8%;
- changes in the availability of space or in the rules of social conduct of the space occupied by human beings: 29.1%;
- the pet owner’s lifestyle: 25.4%;
- difference between expectations when purchasing the animal and the reality of necessary care: 14.9%.
What do you need to know before adopting to avoid abandonment?
Above all, it is necessary to think about the quality and life expectancy of the animal. Each stage of the animal (puppy, adult and senior) requires specific care, from changes in diet to routine.
Taking care of an animal is not easy: it requires time, patience, and costs. Neutering, vaccinating, feeding properly, walking every day, playing with, and receiving attention are rights that all animals have. Adopting an animal because you think it is cute, because you are bored, or as a gift for someone, for example, can easily lead to abandonment later on.
How can we help eradicate abandonment?
One person alone cannot help thousands of animals on the streets. However, if everyone does their part and helps raise awareness among more owners, there will be fewer abandoned animals and more happy pets.
Alerting, informing and warning people about the harm that animal abandonment and mistreatment can cause is not an easy task, but it is the main key to impacting lives. Until recently, animals were not seen as part of the family or as beings with feelings.
Additionally, supporting NGOs is a great way to help end animal abandonment, in addition to those who have been rescued. Anyone can support the work of these organizations and help them save more lives by:
- cash donations;
- donations of food, medicine and pet items;
- posting on social media about animals that need a home;
- responsible adoption ;
- temporary home;
- raising awareness among friends and family about the suffering caused to abandoned animals.
How to report animal abandonment or mistreatment
How to report animal abandonment ? If you witness animal abandonment or mistreatment, go to the nearest police station and file a report with as much information as possible about the crime, such as the license plate of the car that left the pet on the street.
The author of the process will be the State, and not the complainant, so do not be afraid to report the aggressor and exercise your citizenship by not remaining silent in the face of crime and demanding that the authorities take legal action.
Comforting Dice
Did you know that the Adote Petz program connects those who want to adopt a pet with a network of more than 123 partner NGOs and protectors? More than 64 thousand animals have already found a home!
Download the Abandonment Manual , start transforming the lives of abandoned animals today and help eradicate this heinous crime. This manual is aimed at abandoning dogs, but it also applies to other pets.
Animal abandonment is a widespread issue that saddens many people. However, with the help of UkVibes, a better future awaits these thousands of animals. Do your part: collaborate, share and adopt!