KNOWLEDGE OF BOTUCATU’S POPULATION ABOUT THE DOGS AND CATS RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The close contact between dogs, cats and humans is evident. The proportion of canines per habitant, in some localities in Brazil, reaches 1:3, especially in houses where children and old people lives. The practice of responsible management of these animals, as adequate vaccination, administration of antihaelminthics, food, castration, hygiene, safety comfort and other care actions, guarantee the animal welfare and heath and also reduces risks for public health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge level of Botucatu-SP population regarding this theme. For this purpose, it where applied 99 queries in sorted houses, according to statistical sampling plan, in 55 districts. It was verified that Botucatu’s population knows about the importance of animal care, but doesn’t totally practice the responsible animal management, indicating that an intensive educational work must be developed in this community.