In recent weeks, progress has been made in stages: from municipal programs with data on activity related to captures and sterilizations, to regulatory proposals to standardize records, to specific training and calls for citizens to join as accredited caregivers.
Implementation of the CER method and health control
In Ejea de los Caballeros, the implementation of the Feline Colony Management Program, launched in April, is consolidating the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) method in several areas of the city. More than 70 sterilizations have been performed, five animals have been euthanized due to serious illnesses such as calicivirus or because they were in a critical condition, and a dozen have been adopted . These efforts have taken place in central squares and streets such as La Merced, Tarazona, Rufián, and Tajada.
These tasks are coordinated with volunteer caregivers , a responsible veterinarian, and municipal staff —a structure that allows for a rapid response to incidents, prioritization of urgent cases, and facilitation of adoptions. The city council plans to extend the model to more identified colonies to anticipate uncontrolled reproduction and prevent abandonment.
Identification, census and traceability
At the regional level, INTERCIDS has submitted contributions to the Generalitat's Feline Colony Management Protocol . Its key elements include individualized clinical records and microchip identification before returning the cat to the capture site, thus strengthening the health and legal traceability of each animal.
The proposal also advocates for dual identification of colonies: an official code in the General Registry of Companion Animals (ANICOM) and a municipal code for cases with multiple colonies in the same area. This census should be continuously updated and reviewed periodically so that the data reflects reality and allows for the design of effective public policies. INTERCIDS also recommends postoperative monitoring for 72 hours after sterilization to ensure proper recovery.
Volunteering, training and inter-institutional coordination
Citizen involvement is expanding. In Biescas, the town council has launched a program to control and manage feral cat colonies and has opened registration for volunteer collaborators, providing contact channels and a municipal phone number (974 48 50 02) to answer questions and formalize participation in the project.
Meanwhile, various municipalities are investing in training. In the Region of Murcia, a workshop on the management of feral cat colonies brought together nearly 50 participants from local organizations and volunteers. The training, delivered by an accredited federation in the field, emphasized that managing colonies effectively is not only an ethical matter but also an investment in sustainability, legality, and community relations , promoting the proper implementation of the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program.
INTERCIDS' proposals also emphasize that caregivers must receive training and meet minimum requirements (such as having no record of abuse). On the administrative side, the proposal suggests training police and technical staff on the regulatory framework, their responsibilities, and protocols , so they can act not only as enforcers but also as facilitators of coherent management.
Institutional support and local financing
In Alcoy, the Department of Public Health has confirmed new sterilization efforts thanks to a provincial grant of €5.775,40 , bringing the total funding for the capture, sterilization, and return service to over €11.000 this year. The city council maintains that this procedure is the most effective way to stabilize the feline population and improve urban sanitation.
The municipality has begun identifying the first community cats in accordance with state regulations, making progress toward the comprehensive management of colonies. This approach strengthens consistency between veterinary interventions, official registration, and strategies for coexisting with the neighborhood.
Legal framework and transparency requirements
At the regional level, PACMA has requested detailed information from the Balearic Government's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment regarding the application of Law 7/2023 on the protection and welfare of animals, specifically concerning feline colonies. The request includes protocols sent to municipalities, official records and formal requests, as well as the status of any initiated, closed, or resolved sanctioning proceedings .
The political group is also demanding data on the number of registered colonies and cats identified and sterilized between 2023 and 2025. The aim is to verify whether the obligations of census, identification and sterilization are being met, and whether the regional administration is carrying out inspections and imposing sanctions when appropriate, in case of municipal non-compliance.
Coexistence and social perception
In towns where the presence of cats is a source of debate, local associations have responded to the criticism, pointing out that the colonies are monitored and cared for . Responsible management of food and water bowls , along with regular cleaning and hygiene routines, helps minimize disturbances, reduce waste, and promote harmonious coexistence with the environment.
This approach aligns with technical recommendations: clear feeding guidelines, health monitoring, and coordination with accredited volunteers , which help maintain stable colonies with identified and sterilized animals, and continuous monitoring that allows for anticipating problems.
The promotion of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs with traceability, training, and institutional support is creating a more robust framework for feline colonies in Spain. With active local councils and technical bodies setting standards and transparency requirements for law enforcement, management practices that prioritize animal welfare, reduce health risks, and improve coexistence in neighborhoods are being strengthened.
