Plan de desarrollo de un centro de acogida animal sostenible basado enlos principios de bienestar animal

Abstract

This work responds to the need to solve the problem of stray dogs in vulnerable situations in the city of Cuenca. The project proposes a sustainable temporary municipal shelter project for 100 dogs, which contemplates all their basic needs to ensure their welfare through the fulfillment of their freedoms and an analysis of some fundamental pillars for their development and maintenance: structural, economic, and legal; all of them based on adequate behavioral management. Each analysis was formulated under the recommendation of a professional in each area. As a result, there is a project for integrated management of the municipal shelter. As a temporary municipal shelter, it was considered to establish clear internal procedures to avoid abandonment of the dogs, overcrowding, and the permanent stay of the dogs in the facilities. The following management approach ensures that shelter spaces are occupied by dogs needing immediate care and relief. These animals could be treated, recovered, and reintegrated into new homes through responsible adoption, which is the primary function of a shelter for stray dogs. A proposal for self-sustainability was presented, endorsed, and directed by legal support. It consists of a proposed minimum legal contribution of the citizens to maintain the shelter. This idea is based on open surveys to the general public to establish citizens' perceptions of the issue. Keywords: urban wildlife, municipal shelter, stray dogs, animal health, public health