Abstract
Background
In 2018, ground subsidence caused by rock salt extraction in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil) forced the relocation of thousands of residents, resulting in a significant increase in animal abandonment, particularly dogs and cats. This study analyzed the occurrence of these abandonments in the affected neighborhoods and evaluated the impact of interventions implemented by the "Projeto Integra Animal" (Animal Integration Project) in mitigating the problem.
Methods
This is a descriptive study based on data collected between October 2020 and December 2024 by the "Projeto Integra Animal" (Animal Integration Project) and its subproject "Focinho Responsável" (Responsible Snout). Data regarding animal rescues, adoptions, profiles of abandoned animals, and complaints recorded through the Disque Denúncia 181 hotline in 2023 were considered. Educational activities conducted in partnership with schools were also analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson correlation, and the Chi-square test were employed.
Results
In total, 1,826 animals were sheltered, of which 1,147 (63%) were classified as abandoned, comprising 78.7% cats and 21.3% dogs, with a higher incidence in the Pinheiro (35.5%) and Bebedouro (28.7%) neighborhoods. Overall, 864 animals were adopted, predominantly cats (71.1%), with a preference for younger animals (71% aged up to one year). A gradual reduction in abandonment cases was observed, along with a positive correlation (r = 0.96) between abandonment and adoption rates, showing a reversal starting in 2023 that coincided with the strengthening of educational activities. In 2023, 52 complaints of animal mistreatment were recorded, mostly involving dogs. School and community campaigns played a crucial role in promoting responsible pet ownership.
Conclusions
The results reveal the impacts of urban crises on animal welfare and highlight the importance of community strategies in addressing animal abandonment. Educational initiatives, school partnerships, and adoption fairs proved effective in reversing this scenario and promoting responsible ownership. The "Projeto Integra Animal" (Animal Integration Project) serves as a replicable model for public health interventions in similar socio-environmental contexts.
Keywords: Adoption, Sansão Law, Animal Welfare, Environmental Education, Animal Abuse, Public Health
Introduction
In 2018, ground subsidence caused by rock salt extraction in the neighborhoods of Bebedouro, Bom Parto, Farol, Mutange, and Pinheiro in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil) triggered severe socio-environmental impacts, including structural damage, ground sinking, and the displacement of more than 55,000 residents [1, 2]. Alongside human relocation, the crisis led to a dramatic increase in the abandonment of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats. Many were left behind during household evacuations, while others were later abandoned in the affected neighborhoods, which became informal dumping sites for unwanted animals [2].
According to data from the mining company and the Civil Defense of Alagoas, in 2020, during the relocation of families from the Mutange neighborhood—the first to be evacuated and demolished—approximately 567 animals were registered. However, only 245 were relocated, revealing that 56.8% were abandoned or escaped during the process [2].
Animal abandonment constitutes a form of mistreatment, characterized by the neglect of food, shelter, health care, and safety [3]. In Brazil, such acts are criminalized under Federal Law No. 9.605/1998 [4] and reinforced by Law No. 14.064/2020 [5], which establishes stricter penalties for cruelty against dogs and cats. Despite this legal framework, abandonment persists as a complex and multifactorial issue influenced by social, economic, and behavioral factors [6, 7]. Situations of crisis and forced displacement exacerbate abandonment, particularly when emotional bonds between owners and pets are fragile [6, 8].
In this context, the Integra Animal Project was launched by the Research and Extension Group in Equines and Integrative Health at the Federal University of Alagoas, with support from the mining company. The initiative combined direct animal welfare actions—such as rescue, sheltering, and adoption—with educational programs in public schools. These school-based activities aimed to promote responsible ownership and to disseminate the One Health perspective, highlighting the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental well-being.
Given the scarcity of studies addressing animal welfare in the context of socio-environmental crises, this research aimed to analyze patterns of abandonment in neighborhoods affected by subsidence in Maceió, to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions implemented by the Integra Animal Project, and to compare abandonment data with reports from the state’s official hotline for animal mistreatment.
Methodology
The "Projeto Integra Animal" (Animal Integration Project) was approved by the Animal Use Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Alagoas (CEUA/UFAL) under protocol number 33/2020 and registered at the same institution’s Pro-Rectory of Extension under identification number PJ 174–2020.
This research utilized data from animal shelters and adoptions carried out by the Integra Animal extension project and its subproject "Focinho Responsável" (Responsible Snout), which manages the program's adoptions. Data collection covered the period from October 2020 to December 2024, encompassing the neighborhoods Bebedouro, Farol, Bom Parto, Mutange, and Pinheiro in Maceió, Alagoas. Collected data included the origin of sheltered dogs and cats, number of animals returned to their owners, sex and age of abandoned animals, neighborhood where abandonment occurred, and adoption profiles. For analytical purposes, animals were classified into four categories:
Abandoned – dogs and cats without guardianship, left behind during family relocation, or intentionally discarded in affected neighborhoods.
With owner – animals identified as belonging to families affected by the crisis, which temporarily received clinical or surgical assistance through the project.
Monitored strays – free-roaming animals belonging to established colonies or packs that were regularly monitored by the project.
Unmonitored strays – free-roaming animals without prior monitoring records, rescued on a case-by-case basis.
Data regarding animal abandonment complaints were collected from the Disque Denúncia 181 hotline managed by the Public Security Department of Alagoas State (SSP-AL), specifically for the year 2023, since there were no neighborhood-filtered records from previous years. Information was organized based on three criteria: date of the complaint to establish reporting timelines; location to map critical areas; and case description to analyze the nature of mistreatment and animal conditions.
In 2023, the Public Security Department partnered with the Research and Extension Group on Equines and Integrative Health (GRUPEQUI), responsible for the Integra Animal project, to develop an awareness and action plan against animal mistreatment. This initiative included clinical and surgical support for animals, the establishment of an operational flow for reporting incidents, and the implementation of a service protocol with standardized forms for incident registration, animal care, and technical visit reports. The objective was to integrate professionals from the Civil Police and Veterinary Medicine in addressing animal abuse.
Also in 2023, a need was identified to raise awareness among students in public and private schools regarding responsible pet ownership, its impacts on human mental health, and pet owners' rights and duties. Consequently, the Federal University of Alagoas, in partnership with the Escola Estadual Princesa Isabel—located near mining-affected areas—launched the extension project "Meu pet, minha responsabilidade" (My Pet, My Responsibility). The project aimed to enhance understanding of animal welfare, responsible ownership, and the One Health concept.
Between September and December, seven classes were held addressing these themes and encouraging responsible adoption. Other actions included the establishment of a regular curriculum component, organization of free veterinary care campaigns, educational communication initiatives supported by the school radio station "Realeza," and support for a dog and cat adoption channel.
To amplify impact, GRUPEQUI-UFAL, together with students from Escola Estadual Princesa Isabel, launched the "Quem Adota Mais" (Who Adopts More) campaign, which promoted responsible adoption.
Collected data were tabulated and organized in the Integra Animal Project database, subsequently undergoing descriptive statistical analysis. Pearson’s correlation was employed to assess the relevance of the data, and the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used to identify significant differences in the observed results.
Results
Between October 2020 and December 2024, the Integra Animal Project rescued and sheltered 1,826 animals, including 1,472 cats (80.6%) and 354 dogs (19.4%). Of these, 1,147 (62.8%; 95% CI: 60.7–64.9) were classified as abandoned, 159 (8.7%; 95% CI: 7.3–10.1) as with owner, 283 (15.5%; 95% CI: 13.7–17.3) as monitored strays, and 237 (13.0%; 95% CI: 11.4–14.7) as unmonitored strays (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1.
Number of animals sheltered by the Integra Animal project, from October 2020 to December 2024, in the city of Maceió, Alagoas. Integra Animal Project (2024)
Among animals identified as belonging to families, only 9 of 159 (5.7%; 95% CI: 2.6–10.7) were reclaimed by their guardians. Regarding abandonment dynamics, 246 dogs (21.4%; 95% CI: 19.0–23.9) and 901 cats (78.6%; 95% CI: 76.1–81.0) were rescued without guardianship. The majority of abandoned animals were under one year of age (75.8%; 95% CI: 73.2–78.2), with 729 (63.6%) younger than six months. Elderly animals (> 6 years) represented only 3.6% (95% CI: 2.6–4.9) of abandonment cases.
Among the 1,147 abandoned animals, 55 (4.8%) were rescued in 2020, 322 (28.1%) in 2021, 424 (37%) in 2022, 223 (19.4%) in 2023, and 123 (10.7%) in 2024. Correlation analysis indicated a decreasing trend in abandonment cases over the period (r = −0.34). Geographically, the neighborhood with the highest number of abandonments was Pinheiro (407 cases; 35.5%), followed by Bebedouro (329; 28.7%), Farol (204; 17.8%), Bom Parto (142; 12.4%), and Mutange (65; 5.7%).
Regarding the profile of abandoned animals, 246 (21.3%) were dogs and 901 (78.7%) were cats. Among the dogs, 119 (48.4%) were male and 127 (51.6%) female; among the cats, 428 (47.5%) were male and 473 (52.5%) female, with no statistically significant difference by sex (p ≥ 0.05).
As for age, 869 animals (75.8%) were up to 1 year old: 729 were up to 6 months old (120 dogs and 609 cats) and 140 were between 6 months and 1 year (38 dogs and 102 cats). Another 236 animals (63 dogs and 173 cats, 20.6%) were between 1 and 6 years old, and 42 (25 dogs and 17 cats, 3.6%) were older than 6 years. The data indicate a higher proportion of abandoned puppies and kittens compared to adults and elderly animals. However, a higher abandonment rate was observed among elderly dogs (60%) compared to elderly cats.
Between January and December 2023, the Disque Denúncia 181 hotline of the Alagoas State Department of Public Security (SSP-AL) recorded 784 reports, of which 52 (6.6%) were related to mistreatment and abandonment in neighborhoods affected by mining activity (Fig. 2). Monthly reports ranged from 1 to 8, with the highest frequencies recorded in Bebedouro (19; 36.5%), Farol (17; 32.7%), Pinheiro (8; 15.4%), and Bom Parto (8; 15.4%), while Mutange had no reports. Infractions involved cruelty, neglect, and situations of risk. There was no statistically significant variation in the geographic or temporal distribution of reports (p > 0.05).
Fig. 2.
Comparison between the number of abandoned animals sheltered by the Integra Animal project and the number of abandonment reports made through the Disk Denúncia hotline from January 2023 to December 2023 in the city of Maceió, Alagoas. Integra Animal Project (2024)
Of the 43 identified offenders, 36 (83.7%) were men and 7 (16.3%) were women. The 52 reports involved 109 animals: 107 dogs (98.2%) and only 2 cats (1.8%). Despite discrepancies between the records of the Integra Animal Project and police data, the distribution of reports showed a similar pattern, with no statistically significant difference between the two sources (p > 0,05).
Educational activities in a public school
Between September and December 2023, educational activities were carried out at Escola Estadual Princesa Isabel in partnership with the Research and Extension Group on Equines and Integrative Health (GRUPEQUI) of the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL). A total of 30 students participated directly in seven classes addressing animal mistreatment, legal protection, welfare, environmental impacts, and responsible ownership (Table 1), based on the book Proteção Jurídica aos Animais Domésticos by Lima (2022) [9]. Students demonstrated strong engagement during discussions and reported sharing the information with their families and communities.
Table 1.
Topics covered in classes with students from Escola Estadual Princesa Isabel, as part of the extension project “My Pet, My Responsibility” (2023)
| Class taught | Topic |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Mistreatment of domestic animals |
| Class 2 | Legal and legislative protection of domestic animals |
| Class 3 | Animal welfare |
| Class 4 | Fate of abandoned animals |
| Class 5 | Environmental impacts caused by stray animals |
| Class 6 | Sentient animals |
| Class 7 | Review class and Q&A session |
In December 2023, students organized the adoption campaign “Who Adopts More?”, which included six teams responsible for promoting adoptions through flyer distribution (Fig. 3) and social media outreach on the “Focinho Responsável” Instagram page. The campaign culminated in an adoption fair at Pet Parque (Parque Shopping Maceió) (Fig. 4), resulting in the adoption of 12 animals (3 dogs and 9 cats). The school also hosted a closing event where students presented on the topics covered in class, reinforcing their role as multipliers of responsible ownership practices (Fig. 5) [10].
Fig. 3.
Informative flyer related to the campaign “Who adopts more?”. Princesa Isabel State School
Fig. 4.
Adoption fair at Parque Shopping in Maceió, Alagoas. Integra Animal Project
Fig. 5.
Culmination of the campaign. A Presentation on "Blue November" (prostate cancer awareness month for dogs and cats). B Presentation on zoonoses. Princesa Isabel State School
“Focinho Responsável” adoption channel
Alongside the initiatives developed at the school, the Integra Animal Project launched, in 2020, the subproject “Focinho Responsável” (Responsible Snout), with the goal of promoting responsible pet ownership as a strategy to combat the abandonment of dogs and cats. Between October 2020 and December 2024, through social media campaigns (Fig 6) and adoption fairs, a total of 864 adoptions were facilitated, including 250 dogs (28.9%) — 124 males and 126 females — and 614 cats (71.1%) — 281 males and 333 females, with a monthly average of 17 adoptions.
Fig. 6.
Social media pages of Focinho Responsável. Integra Animal Project (2025)
Statistical analysis revealed a significantly higher adoption rate of cats compared to dogs (p < 0.05), with no significant difference regarding the sex of adopted animals. As for age, most adopted animals (n = 614; 71%) were up to 1 year old, including 303 dogs and 311 cats. Another 239 animals (27.7%) were between 1 and 6 years old (99 dogs and 140 cats), and only 11 (1.3%) were over 6 years old (3 dogs and 8 cats).
Temporal analysis showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.96) between abandonment and adoption rates throughout the study period, particularly up to 2022, prior to the beginning of educational activities at Escola Estadual Princesa Isabel. However, starting in 2023, this pattern was reversed, with adoption rates surpassing abandonment rates (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7.
Comparison between the number of abandoned vs. adopted animals. Integra Animal Project (2025)
Discussion
The low recovery rate of animals identified as having guardians (5.7%) highlights the fragility of the bond between owners and pets. This vulnerability becomes more critical during crises, when the loss of territorial and social ties often results in permanent abandonment. Previous studies have noted that limited integration of pets into family routines and utilitarian perspectives toward animals weaken emotional attachment and increase the risk of relinquishment [7, 8].
Sex distribution revealed no significant differences, suggesting that abandonment occurs regardless of gender. This contrasts with findings from Spain, the UK, and Australia, where sex-specific patterns were reported [11–13]. Age distribution, however, showed that puppies and kittens were disproportionately abandoned (75.8%), underscoring the need for sterilization campaigns and public education to promote responsible ownership. While international studies often identify adult animals as the majority of shelter intakes [14, 15], the predominance of young animals in this study reflects a local vulnerability in Maceió’s crisis context.
Geographical analysis indicated higher abandonment rates in Bebedouro and Farol, possibly linked to population density and the persistence of occupied areas that facilitate the disposal of animals. Although not statistically significant, these spatial patterns emphasize the importance of contextual factors in shaping abandonment dynamics.
The predominance of male offenders in mistreatment cases aligns with studies associating gender with attitudes toward pet relinquishment and neglect [16]. Discrepancies between police reports, which mostly involved dogs, and project records, where cats predominated, may be explained by species-specific behaviors. Dogs tied or vocalizing in public spaces attract attention and reports, whereas cats disperse easily, reducing their visibility and likelihood of reporting.
Depopulation of the affected neighborhoods further contributed to underreporting, since fewer residents were available to observe or report cases of abandonment and mistreatment. This invisibility highlights the need for systematic monitoring and stronger community involvement. Furthermore, animal cruelty is often associated with interpersonal violence [17, 18], reinforcing its relevance as a public health concern.
Educational and community-based initiatives played a decisive role in reversing abandonment trends. At Escola Estadual Princesa Isabel, 30 students participated in seven classes on animal protection, which culminated in the campaign “Who Adopts More?”. The initiative facilitated the adoption of 12 animals and fostered peer-to-peer dissemination of responsible ownership practices. These results illustrate the transformative potential of school-based actions, especially when combined with adoption fairs and social media campaigns.
Finally, understanding adoption patterns provides insights into reducing abandonment. Our study found a higher adoption of cats and younger animals, diverging from earlier studies where dogs or female animals were preferred [11, 19]. Although adopters often perceive adult shelter animals as more likely to develop behavioral disorders, recent evidence challenges this view [20]. Instead, environmental conditions and owner management play central roles in shaping behavior [21–23].
Taken together, these findings highlight the need for sustained public policies to consolidate progress achieved through community efforts. Extension projects and school-based actions can mitigate abandonment in the short term, but long-term success requires institutional frameworks, systematic monitoring, and state-supported education programs. Establishing permanent policies for responsible ownership, sterilization, and enforcement of animal protection laws is essential to ensuring continuity and replicability of initiatives in crisis-affected urban areas.
Conclusion
The data presented demonstrate that animal abandonment in areas affected by ground subsidence in Maceió, Alagoas, remains a persistent problem, exacerbated by population displacement, the weakening of emotional bonds, and the social invisibility of animals at risk. The predominance of puppies and kittens among abandoned animals and the low recovery rate by their guardians highlight deficiencies in responsible ownership practices and limited public awareness.
Following the implementation of educational and community strategies by the Integra Animal Project, a significant improvement in this scenario was observed. Initiatives such as adoption fairs, school-based programs, and social media campaigns contributed to reversing abandonment trends and fostering responsible pet ownership. The participation of 30 students in educational activities and the subsequent adoption of 12 animals exemplify how targeted interventions can generate tangible welfare benefits and strengthen community engagement.
However, the long-term effectiveness of such initiatives depends on the establishment of sustained public policies and institutional frameworks. Continuous support from municipal and state governments is essential to ensure funding for sterilization programs, veterinary care, and education in responsible ownership. Integrating these actions into public health and environmental agendas, within a One Health framework, would enhance the resilience of both human and animal populations in crisis-affected urban areas.
Therefore, the experience of the Integra Animal Project demonstrates that collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches can successfully mitigate animal abandonment. Yet, lasting impact requires governmental commitment to transform temporary actions into structured, ongoing policies that safeguard animal welfare and community well-being in the long term.
Acknowledgements
We thank the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Alagoas (FAPEAL) for their support.
Authors’ contributions
KS: Validation, Visualization and Writing – original draft. DV: Investigation LA: Data curation MM: Data curation SF: Writing – review and editing. PE: Conceptualization and Project administration. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Funding
This study was supported by the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Alagoas (FAPEAL).
Data availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
This study used secondary data from the Integra Animal Project and its outreach educational actions. No personally identifiable human data were collected. According to Brazilian Resolution CNS 510/2016, Article 1, item VI, research that uses publicly available information and does not involve the identification of participants is exempt from evaluation by a Research Ethics Committee. Therefore, ethical approval and informed consent were deemed unnecessary. All procedures involving animals were approved by the Animal Use Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Alagoas (CEUA/UFAL), under protocol number 33/2020.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Footnotes
Publisher’s Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Data Availability Statement
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.