REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC POLICY OF PROTECTION AND ANIMAL WELL-BEING IN BOGOTÁ

Abstract

Introduction: The ethical consideration for the well-being and protection of animals is supported in scientific studies on sentience, which means that they are capable of feeling pain, suffering, satisfaction, tranquility, among other emotions. For this reason, it has been recognized that animals are sentient beings that deserve special consideration and respect. Objective: to show how the concept of animal sentience is part of the Public Policy for Animal Protection and Well-being of Bogotá 2014-2038, and how it is measured from some social indicators. Methods: For this, two phases were developed: I) search for indicators about the sentience of animals, II) processing of a database of companion animals identified with a microchip. Results: I) Only one indicator was found about the opinion on the sentience of dogs and cats used in the “Survey of Cultural Factors Associated with the Relationship between People and Animals” applied in Bogotá. This is an impact indicator that aims to demonstrate the state of citizen culture with respect to the relationship with animals. II) The database contains records of 206,706 dogs and cats. Almost half of the companion animals that so far have a microchip are in socioeconomic stratum 2. Conclusion: The need to transform the culture of relationship between animals and humans is affirmed, in a way such that citizens may change their day-to-day practices and demand from their political leaders immediate actions for the protection of all animals.