Effects of oleoresin capsicum on horses used in public security

Abstract

The effects of the Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray used by police forces to control civil disturbances are widely known and extensively described in numerous scientific articles regarding humans. However, with the advent of animal welfare concepts, the question arises as to whether horses exposed to OC in such events would experience the same effects described in humans. The objective of this study was to determine if Mounted Police horses exposed to OC exhibit the same symptoms described in humans. In this study, 18 healthy horses from the Military Police of Paraná, without a history of respiratory disease, were led through a cloud of gas created using six pepper spray dispensers. Physiological parameters including respiratory rate, heart rate, rectal temperature, and conjunctival color were evaluated 24 hours before exposure, 30 minutes, and 24 hours after exposure. Blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and blood gas analysis, and samples of the ocular mucosa were obtained using sterile swabs. Analysis of these parameters did not reveal effects analogous to those described in humans. The absence of ocular changes is directly correlated with the primary decontamination method in humans, which involves running with open eyes to allow the air to act against them. In the case of horses, the movement of their eyes while walking at an average speed of 6km/h in a walk and 18km/h in a trot generates airflow throughout the entire body of the animal. Additionally, pieces of tack and parts of the rider’s body form a barrier against the action of the OC agent by reducing the contact area. After 30 minutes and 24 hours post-exposure, no aggressive effects like those found in humans in the airways and ocular mucosa were observed.