Bienestar animal y tenencia responsable de animales de compañía. Revisión documental para divulgación y concientización en Instituciones Educativas urbanas y rurales de la Cuidad de Cuenca

Abstract

Education plays a key role in promoting animal welfare and raising awareness of responsible pet ownership in society. The study included pre- and post-intervention surveys of students that measured their knowledge of basic animal care needs, their attitudes toward pet ownership, and their practices related to animal welfare. Educational sessions were conducted to provide information on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare principles. The results indicated that the majority of students at both educational levels reported having pets, with a notable trend towards owning multiple pets. Dogs were the most common pets, followed by a combination of dogs and cats. Most students acquired pets as gifts, highlighting the need to raise awareness about adoption and planning before acquiring animals. There was a notable improvement in students' knowledge after the educational sessions. The proportion of students who correctly identified all the basic needs of pets and valued sterilization as a crucial measure to prevent uncontrolled breeding increased significantly. However, awareness of the importance of regular veterinary care slightly decreased, suggesting the need for greater emphasis on this aspect. Educational interventions effectively enhanced students' knowledge and awareness of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Although students already had a solid understanding of these concepts, the sessions reinforced and consolidated this knowledge. The high level of empathy and commitment demonstrated by students towards abandoned animals was remarkable, indicating the potential to promote responsible pet ownership through ongoing education. Future educational programs should focus on prolonged and regular sessions, incorporating diverse teaching methods, and addressing the needs of students with disabilities. Additionally, there is a need to further emphasize the importance of regular veterinary care to ensure comprehensive education on animal welfare