The DEAN Federation has sent an official letter to the Mazcuerras Town Hall after receiving reports of possible poisonings of community cats in various parts of the municipality. The animal rights organization is calling for immediate action and the implementation of protective measures to prevent further incidents involving stray cats.
In their statement, the group points out that current regulations mandate the implementation of the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) method and require the investigation of any suspected mistreatment. They also request written notification of the municipal actions taken and that the incident be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Demands made to the City Council
DEAN is demanding the immediate implementation of the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program to ethically manage cat colonies: colony census, sterilization, return and veterinary care , as well as collaboration with registered organizations and qualified professionals. The federation insists that failing to implement this approach violates the law and leaves community cats unprotected.
The organization has given the City Council a maximum of one month to submit a report detailing what measures are being taken regarding feline colonies and to open an investigation into the reported cases, in order to clarify whether there has been use of toxic substances.
Furthermore, they request that all the information collected be transferred to SEPRONA, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the relevant Ministry, as provided for in the administrative and criminal channels regarding animal welfare.
The federation emphasizes that the region's municipalities must take note: inaction can lead to sanctions , complaints, and a loss of public trust, so they urge them to act diligently and transparently to prevent any cruel or lethal practices.
DEAN also points out that they have evidence that dead cats have appeared and are being removed by the cleaning service , so they are requesting that the situation be clarified urgently and that responsibilities be determined if necessary.
Legal framework and technical guidelines
Law 7/2023 on the Protection of Animal Rights and Welfare assigns municipalities the responsibility for managing feline colonies through the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) method. Among other functions, this includes census, sterilization, return to their territory, veterinary care, and collaboration with organizations and professionals.
The Technical Guideline of the Directorate General for Animal Rights insists that each locality must plan programs adapted to its reality , guarantee the training of personnel and expressly prohibit the use of poisons, traps and other lethal methods for population control.
DEAN reminds everyone that community cats are not abandoned animals: they are part of the urban environment and are protected by law . If the use of toxic substances is confirmed, it could constitute animal abuse, with the corresponding legal consequences for those responsible.
The organization warns that if no action is taken, it will activate all available tools: administrative complaints to the relevant authorities and, if appropriate, criminal complaints for dereliction of duty or mistreatment. They also announce their intention to publish the municipal response, or the lack thereof, as an exercise in accountability.
The situation sends a clear message: act quickly , rigorously implement TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and maintain coordination between the City Council, security forces, regional authorities and registered entities, with the aim of protecting feline colonies and clearing up any doubts about the presence of baits or dangerous substances in the area.