Animal Welfare: Road Traffic Accidents and Animals Loss, Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

This research aimed at highlighting on domesticated animals collisions with cars and its impacts on animals׳ biological responses, welfare (AW) and environment. As many animals suffer from Traffic Road Accidents (RTAs), surveillance was done across the streets in 2016-2017 during summer and winter seasons in some localities of Khartoum State (Khartoum and Bahri). Pictures of different species of animals suffered from death or loss of function due to RTAs were taken. Stray dogs and cats represented the majority of dead animals found in the streets in addition to some livestock and traction animals. Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) happen mainly in high ways, compared to other roads, during night or at dawn and their high incidence was observed during winter season. Animals exposed to RTAs experience different biological responses as fear, anxiety and pain which are reflected in mental, physiological and behavioral changes that alter their welfare. Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) have great environmental and economical impacts, as dead animals are left in the streets causing pollution that affects health conditions. On the other hand, survived ones remain handicapped and became abandoned by their owners if they did not respond to medical treatment. It is concluded that RTAs are one of the serious conditions that many animals face and authorities should take care of by applying countermeasures. Also they have great impacts on animals΄ biological responses and their welfare, public health and economics.