Abstract

MARISCAL P, C.A; CORDOVA A, M  and  GUTIERREZ S., O. State of animal welfare in draught horses, Trinidad - Bolivia. Rev.Cient.Agro.Amaz. [online]. 2015, n.5, pp. 12-22. ISSN 2307-9606.

The draught horses are still a common practice in the region; this generates a household income for the owners, although these horses are kept in conditions which are far from ideal, due to a lack of a control system. In order to evaluate the animal welfare in draught horses of Trinidad, Bolivia (2014-2015), 22 animals were sampled. The protocol evaluation was based in direct indicators, the "Five Freedoms": freedom from hungerorthirst; from discomfort; from pain, injury or disease; freedom to express (most) normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress. In addition, the owners or responsible were surveyed. Results showed 100% of the animals with severe hunger, thirst and malnutrition, with discomfort, pain, injuries and disease, also with problems to express normal behaviour, fear and distress. Then, we conclude that the state of the animal welfare in draught horses of Trinidad city is deplorable, so the equines show a physical and mental damage. We recommend the intervention of any institution that is related with animal protection.

Keywords : animal rights; draught horses; Five Freedoms.