Environmental management in a kennel: assessment and reduction of the environmental impacts

The abandonment of domestic animals in public places is a severe socio-environmental problem, hence municipal kennels are essential to the management of these animals. However, many kennels do not have an effective environmental management system, as they have limited financial and human resources. Thus, this work aimed to identify the environmental aspects and impacts of a kennel located in the south of Minas Gerais (Brazil) and also to propose low-cost solutions for reducing significant environmental impacts. The significant environmental impacts of the kennel are water and soil pollution, resulting from wastewater generation, besides animal feces and unused and expired medicines disposal. Therefore, it was proposed the construction of a septic tank followed by an anaerobic filter and a biodigester, and also the correct disposal of the pharmaceuticals. Finally, the kennel is essential to the zoonose control in the locality.