EU-Podem Calls for 'Ethical and Responsible' Management of Feline Colonies by Local Government

EU-Podem's municipal group in Alicante City Council has announced the submission of an institutional declaration for the November plenary session, urging the local government to adopt an 'ethical and responsible' management approach towards the city's feline colonies.

According to a statement from the coalition, the council has shown a 'lack of budgetary foresight' in this area, relying solely on insufficient subsidies, such as the €12,500 provided by the Alicante Provincial Council in 2024, designated only for sterilisation.

EU-Podem believes this situation 'perpetuates an economic injustice' and 'ignores budgetary and animal welfare regulations', referring to the regional Law 2/2023, of 13 March, on the Protection, Welfare and Ownership of Companion Animals, and the national Law 7/2023, of 28 March, on the protection of animal rights and welfare.

In this regard, the municipal spokesperson for the coalition, Manolo Copé, stated that 'inaction is not an option': 'Alicante has the opportunity to lead the ethical and sustainable management of its feline colonies, aligning with current laws and the demands of a citizenry increasingly aware of animal welfare.'

Copé detailed that the institutional declaration includes measures to 'address this issue', such as 'sufficient and appropriate' budget allocations to meet the needs of feline colonies, including food, veterinary care, sterilisation, and signage, as well as the implementation of ethical management plans.

The motion also advocates for the provision of 'adequate' spaces for the temporary relocation of cats in exceptional cases, as well as controlling and penalising pet owners who 'fail to comply with their identification and sterilisation obligations', to prevent uncontrolled reproduction.

This institutional declaration by EU-Podem also proposes 'active collaboration' with animal protection associations, to 'recognise and support' their work with economic and technical resources, and to develop action protocols in the event of natural disasters or emergencies, including animal location maps and evacuation plans.

The document emphasises that 'complying with animal welfare laws is not optional, but an obligation'. It also urges the council to 'prioritise these needs over other allocations, such as the €105,000 allocated to the Bullfighting School.'