At a meeting held yesterday at the Municipality of Montevideo, authorities of the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) gathered together with directors and officials of the National Institute of Animal Welfare (INBA) to participate in a new session of the Congress of Mayors.
The main purpose of the meeting was to present and discuss the guidelines of the INBA and the policies that will be implemented to address the problem of dog overpopulation and irresponsible pet ownership.
Animal welfare policies and challenges
At the meeting, INBA's president, Marcia del Campo, explained the institute's objectives and the importance of working together with different actors in society to promote animal welfare policies in both the public and private sectors, seeking to decentralize actions. One of the most pressing challenges demanded by society is the need to address the problem of dog overpopulation, which affects social coexistence and animal welfare.
INBA emphasized the commitment of the departmental governments to confront the problem of the dog overpopulation and irresponsible dog ownershipThe aim is to improve the quality of life of animals and promote harmonious coexistence between humans and pets. To this end, policies that address responsible animal ownership are proposed, with emphasis on identification, spaying and neutering and responsible adoption as fundamental pillars for change.
The crucial support of the departmental governments in the creation and maintenance of animal shelters or refuges is highlighted, as well as the importance of the agreements established with the municipalities and the Zoonosis Commissionamong other measures. In addition, it was reported that considerable progress has been made in the identification of animals, with more than 120,000 chipped to date.
Departmental Animal Welfare Institutes to start operating in 2024
On the other hand, it was announced the creation of the Animal Welfare Institutes departmental offices, which will replace the Commission for Responsible Animal Ownership and Welfare (Cotryba) and will start operating next year, seeking to improve coordination and joint actions for the benefit of animals.
The Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Fernando MattosIn his speech, he underscored the importance of the role of the local governments in this initiative and highlighted the work carried out so far. However, he emphasized that there is still much to be done and that this meeting is fundamental to evaluate what has been achieved so far and to continue advancing with dedication and coordination.
Undersecretary Ignacio Buffa reviewed the agreements established by the administration with the municipalities, demonstrating the government's will and commitment to this cause.
At the closing of the presentation, the general director of MGAP, Fernanda Maldonadorecalled that the Animal Welfare is a central policy of this administration and emphasized that the INBA was created by the Law of Urgent Consideration as a coordinating institution with the main actors involved in this issue.
With the commitment of the departmental governments to move towards a better quality of life for animals, the meeting concluded with a message of hope and a renewed dedication to continue working for animal welfare throughout the country. The articulation between governmental institutions and civil society is a promising way to achieve effective and sustainable solutions in the fight against dog overpopulation and irresponsible dog ownership.
