Contributions of public policies to the creation of transformative spaces for animal healthcare in the Municipality of Quilmes

Abstract

In December 2020, the municipal ordinance 13322/20 was enacted. Born from the amendments to the previous one, it seeks to end animal traction (TAS) in a gradual and progressive way. Analyzing the veterinary physical examinations conducted during the equine census in compliance with ordinance 13322/20, which is further discussed in this paper, it is common to find in animals used for TAS a poor health condition, low body condition score, varying degrees of malnutrition and dehydration, problems in their hooves and conformation, with poor and sometimes incomplete shoeing in some of their legs. In addition, they have a height below the recommended standard for cargo or pulling activities, and they are exposed to high temperatures during their work hours, running the risk of heatstroke or equine exhaustion syndrome. Finally, the use of TAS by recycling workers as a source of their daily income is not a minor concern.