Análise da implantação do programa de manejo ético populacional de cães e gatos no campus Pampulha da UFMG | Analysis of the implementation of the ethical population management program for dogs and cats on the Pampulha campus of UFMG

Since its creation in 2018, the UFMG Permanent Commission onAnimal Policies has been carrying out actions of ethical population management of dogs and cats on the university's campuses. The aim of this study was to analyze the implementation of the Ethical Population Management Program for cats and dogs on the Pampulha UFMG campus and the perception of users about the actions developed by the University's Animal Policy Commission. As a methodology, the databases of the registration and identification subcommission were analyzed, health education strategies were created and a survey on the perception of workers and users on the campus was applied. On the Pampulha campus, until September 2021, 266 sightings, mostly cats, were registered in 25 different units or areas. 118 animals have been surgically neutered and 47 adoptions mediated. Regarding the population of dogs and cats present on the campus, in September 2021, the number of 91 cats and 13 dogs in 20 different units was realized. Of these, 65.38% (68/104) are surgically neutered. A significant increase in sightings and surgical neuterings was observed, upon comparison between 2021 and the years prior to the Extension Program established in September 2020, which suggests that actions on the Pampulha campus are being successful. There is an aging population and a decrease in the number of young animals, with the reduction of abandonment remaining as a great challenge, the main cause of the increase in the number of animals on campus. The study should be repeated after training guards and concierge staff, to assess the effect of the educational action and management actions themselves in longer terms. Results on the perception of actors involved in the actions on the campus indicated that, although fewer of the survey responders knew about the commission, the vast majority agreed with the methodology chosen for the ethical population management of cats and dogs present on the campus. The analysis of data related to management programs, such as those presented in this study, are essential to encourage the creation of new actions, modifications of existing actions, and the planning of continuity of actions, allowing for a transparent and more assertive conduction of these ethical cats and dogs population management programs on university campuses.