A GESTÃO AMBIENTAL COMO INSTRUMENTO PARA O DIAGNÓSTICO DA SUPERPOPULAÇÃO DE ANIMAIS DOMÉSTICOS NAS UNIVERSIDADES PÚBLICAS DE TERESINA-PI

Abstract

The abandonment of animals in universities is currently a notorious and concerning issue that impacts various spheres. Thus, the present study aimed to conduct a diagnostic assessment of the overpopulation of abandoned domestic animals at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) and the State University of Piauí (UESPI) in Teresina, PI. The study highlights the environmental, sanitary, and ethical impacts resulting from the abandonment of dogs and cats, such as predation of wildlife, the spread of zoonoses, and the lack of animal welfare. The methodology employed involved a bibliographic review and the collection of primary data, using photographic records and descriptive analyses to characterize the condition of the animals. The results indicate that animal abandonment contributes to the growing population of animals on university campuses, which face challenges such as insufficient food, lack of shelter, and limited access to spaying and neutering programs. This study concludes that animal abandonment in universities generates negative effects that must be addressed through Environmental Management strategies to control the populations of dogs and cats and mitigate the impacts. Actions such as planning, spaying and neutering, vaccination, and environmental education are essential to achieve these goals.