Orihuela has many urban cat colonies that are growing out of control, which is generating problems with living together, the environment, and animal welfare. Irene Celdrán, the Councillor for Health, has said that these colonies have relied on the work of volunteers for years. She publicly thanked the volunteers for their dedication and said that “now is the time for the City Council to take a decisive step to assume, organise, and strengthen this work.”
He said this week that the Shock Plan for Sterilisation of Feline Colonies in the municipality has already officially begun. This project started in July of last year, when there were 140 colonies (though many others were not registered). However, it has not been put into action until now.
The councilwoman said that the initiative is a top priority activity that has already started to be carried out to keep the cat population under control, improve life in neighbourhoods, and make sure that animals are safe in neighbourhoods, outlying areas, and on the coast.
The contract costs €131,347 and can last up to 15 months. It will pay for the care of 640 strays (320 males and 320 females), which will include sterilisation, microchip identification, vaccinations, deworming, and any other approved medical care that is needed. Along the seashore alone, there are up to 60 colonies.
Steps
The plan will be carried out in stages, starting with Montepinar, then Orihuela Costa, the town centre, and finally the surrounding areas. The schedule and dates will be disclosed in advance. Celdrán said, “We will catch five cats every day to make sure that each area is making steady progress and is being watched over by experts.” The municipal animal control officer and authorised volunteers from groups like Colonias Felinas Orihuela, Gatitos 7 Vidas, Protectora Oriolana, Colonias Felinas Orihuela Costa, and Animales Asilvestrados are some of the organisations that are taking part. The veterinarian facility will follow the rules set by current laws to sterilise, identify, vaccinate, and deworm your pet.
The Health Councillor has said that the plan is based on reducing the number of cats in an ethical and effective way through sterilisation, using the TNR (trap, neuter, and return) method, which has been shown to be the best and most long-lasting method; improving animal welfare by making sure they get veterinary care and live in healthy conditions; and encouraging neighbours to get along by keeping litters off of public roads and avoiding health problems.
The councilwoman ended by asking the public to help by not leaving animals behind, following the rules for feeding them, and letting the City Council know about occurrences or new colonies.
Keep in mind that the new Municipal Ordinance on Citizen Coexistence says that people can be fined up to 750 euros for leaving food out for animals without permission.
“This is not a technical step; it’s a promise to care for animals, protect public health, and live in harmony with others.” He ended by saying, “Orihuela deserves bold and effective solutions, and this is a strong step in that direction.”
Author: Derek Appleton
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