An extensive study is underway to address the challenges faced by informal animal caregivers, who often endure societal neglect and abuse. Cristina Costa Santos, a professor and researcher at FMUP, highlighted that the team initiated this study after recognizing the harsh treatment animal caregivers face, aiming to publish a scientific article and raise awareness among society and policymakers.
Cristina Costa Santos noted, “These individuals are victims of their compassion for animals. When they see animals suffer, they cannot remain indifferent. They are often disparaged and insulted by neighbors or fined by local authorities.”
The research team, unable to find existing studies on this topic in scientific literature, is recruiting volunteers to explore the issue and devise potential solutions. “These individuals seem invisible to society. They receive no recognition and are often marginalized,” Costa Santos summarized.
The multidisciplinary team, including experts in psychology, veterinary medicine, and biostatistics, aims to enlist over 100 volunteers. “We have participants from Porto and Lisbon but need representation from the country’s interior for a more balanced national coverage,” she said.
Reflecting on the profiles of volunteers interviewed so far, Costa Santos challenged common stereotypes, noting that many caregivers differ from the assumed profile of elderly or low-educated individuals. “Our participants are primarily women in their 50s and 60s, many with strong social support, integrated into society, employed, and often holding higher education degrees. There is a pre-existing, stigmatized perception that doesn’t always reflect reality,” she explained.
Interviews revealed that neighbors sometimes poison the cats, causing significant psychological distress to caregivers, a concern Costa Santos believes society should not ignore.
The team anticipates initial results by October or November, with plans to share findings with the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Costa Santos emphasized the need for policymakers to recognize and invest in resolving these issues.
The research team, alongside Cristina Costa Santos and Ivone Duarte, includes Rui Vidal, Paulo Vieira de Castro, and Sara Lisboa. Interested participants approved by FMUP’s Ethics Committee can express their interest via a contact form.
