The NGO seeks to identify and reward the best and most innovative government initiatives in the area of ​​humanitarian management of canine and feline populations

July 1, 2020. The NGO World Animal Protection, which works to improve animal welfare, opens the registration for the second edition of the “Animal Friendly City” award . Aimed at Latin American cities and Brazil. The award aims to identify and disseminate innovative strategies for the humanitarian management of canine and feline populations applied in an integrated manner by local governments.

In 2019, three cities were awarded: Bogotá, Colombia (1st place), Conselheiro Lafaiete, Brazil (2nd place) and São Paulo, Brazil (3rd place). This year, the contest will have nine categories and the candidates will be able to register in all the ones they want and that are related to the actions applied by their city. The local government that excels in more categories can win the “Comprehensive Winner” award . In order to disseminate and value innovative initiatives, ensuring that they can be implemented in other municipalities, World Animal Protection will publish a digital book with strategies for handling cats and dogs with the actions of the winning city.

“The positive effects of living with animals on human health and well-being are well known. However, dogs and cats that live on the street can suffer and also generate conflicts with the community, such as transmitting zoonotic bite diseases, or environmental contamination by defecating on the streets and breaking garbage bags. The effective ways of dealing with this situation are poorly studied, which is why we are looking for examples of good practice. ” explains Dr. Melania Gamboa, Advisor to the Animals in Communities program of World Animal Protection.

In Brazil, it is estimated that there are 30 million dogs and cats living in the streets and in Costa Rica thereis one dog owner for 4 people. In view of the current crisis facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this population is suffering from problems such as malnutrition, abuse and neglect. Because of this, clear policies regarding animal management, such as health care measures, reproductive control, education, identification, legislation and commercial control, help the well-being of the entire community at times like this.

To compete, cities must have programs related to the humanitarian management of dog and cat populations, such as reproductive control, education in responsible surveillance, among others, cities interested in participating can visit the regulation and see the categories in which they can to compete.

The winner of the prize will receive financial compensation that may invest in materials or training to improve management actions. The winning municipalities by category will be recognized and honored by the NGO.

Only employees or managers of the department responsible for management programs can apply to their city. To do this, they simply need to access the website , read the regulation, and complete the online form. Registration is open until August 21. The winners will be announced on October 19, through the publication on the organization’s website.

Created and coordinated by World Animal Protection, the Animal Friendly City award has the support of the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health), the Collective Institute of Veterinary Medicine (IMVC / ITEC), the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine of Brazil (CFMV). ), the World Association of Small Animal Veterinarians (WSAVA) and the International Coalition for the Management of Companion Animals ”(ICAM).

In this edition, the Pan American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Center (PANAFTOSA) of the World Health Organization will support the project evaluation process.

About World Animal Protection

We are active in more than 50 countries, and for more than 50 years we have worked with local partners, animal welfare organizations, companies and governments. We help people find practical ways to prevent animal suffering around the world in four areas: the welfare of production animals, animals in disaster situations, animals in communities, and wildlife . We maintain formal relationships with international institutions, including FAO, the United Nations Environment Program, and the World Organization for Animal Health. We seek change in public policies at national and international level to improve the lives of millions of animals, because animal protection is a fundamental part of a sustainable future.

For more information on World Animal Protection, visit: https://www.worldanimalprotection.cr/premio-ciudad-amig a or follow us on our profiles on Facebook , Twitter