Determination of animal welfare in blood-drawn horses in peripheral neighborhoods of the city of Corrientes, Argentina

Abstract

In many cities of Argentina, equine-drawn carts represent an economic livelihood for low-income families. These equines are generally in inadequate physical condition, which results in a sub-optimal performance and a serious detriment to their welfare. The aim of the present work was to determine the animal welfare state of working equines in peripheral neighborhoods of the City of Corrientes Capital, Argentina, using direct and indirect indicators. The population (n=42) presented an average age of 6.8 years and within it a 60% were stallions. Forty five percent of the animals presented suboptimal nutritional status, 43% of the cases presented oral alterations, 67% had skin lesions and 74% had inadequate hoof conditions. Almost all of the animals were alert to the approach of the observer, some reacting aggressively and others expressing abnormal behaviors. Equines were usually used during the morning hours, with loads of brick and sand being the most frequently recorded. According to their caretakers, the animals receive veterinary care on a regular basis, registering an alarming tendency to release them in empty lots, public squares or roads during rest hours. The sources of water and food, constituted by river water, alfalfa and corn, added to grazing during the rest, are positioned as the main alternatives. Thus, it is observed that the welfare state of the equines sampled in the city was between regular and bad, being evident the need for training of caretakers on responsible ownership and joint work between veterinarians and public agencies to address the problem.